Bringing Joy Beyond the Diagnosis

Thanks to heroes like Beth Jorgensen and our incredible community, children facing critical illness experience hope, joy, and unforgettable moments every day.

About Me 

My name is Beth Jorgensen, and I am a medical social worker at Levine Children’s Specialty Center in the Pulmonology department. For the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside children and families facing critical illness. My work centers on helping families navigate challenges, but one of the brightest parts of my role is connecting them with Make-A-Wish. 

How I Connected with Make-A-Wish 

I first connected with Make-A-Wish when I began working at the specialty center a decade ago. It quickly became clear how powerful the wish experience could be for our patients. Supporting children through their wish journey is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role as a provider. 

Memorable Moments 

There have been so many meaningful experiences over the years, but one stands out vividly. A patient of ours flew to California to meet MLB player Freddie Freeman, and his wish was even featured on ESPN. Watching our entire team celebrate that moment together, knowing the joy it brought to him and his family, was unforgettable. Those memories remind me why Make-A-Wish is such a vital part of what we do. 

What a Wish Means 

For many of the children I work with, the wish experience is truly a gift. As kids grow older, they begin to recognize the challenges they face compared to their peers—daily treatments, medications, and hospital stays can feel overwhelming and unfair. Make-A-Wish provides something different: something to look forward to that is just for them. The ability to choose their own wish makes it deeply personal and incredibly empowering. 

The Role of Providers 

As providers, our role is to ensure that health conditions don’t become barriers to joy. We work behind the scenes to make sure kids are safe and ready for their wish experiences, so that on the day of their wish, they can simply be kids—not patients. Seeing families light up as they prepare for their wish, and then hearing their stories and seeing their photos afterward, is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job. 

Referring a Child 

When it comes to referring children, I usually submit referrals online, which I’ve found to be the most efficient way. I also encourage families to self-refer if they’re interested, since eligibility can vary. We’re fortunate to have such a strong partnership with our local Make-A-Wish chapter, which helps the entire process run smoothly and ensures families feel supported every step of the way. 

Why I Believe in Wishes 

I am so grateful that Make-A-Wish exists for the families I serve. A diagnosis of a critical illness affects the entire family, not just the child, and a wish brings hope, joy, and relief to everyone involved. These experiences create lasting memories and allow families to focus on joy rather than illness. That gift of light during dark times is truly invaluable. 

— Beth Jorgensen