Nurse Nilly

Nilly Hasanova, a pediatric nurse in Alberta, first heard about Make-A-Wish Canada from her patients. She could hear the excitement in their voices when they talked about their wishes, sometimes even years after the wish had come true.

“I see the things that those kids go through. I think they deserve everything good, so I wanted to be a part of their wish experience,” she says.

As a wish-granting volunteer, Nilly helps enhance children’s wishes by planning the wish reveal or wish celebration party with the child’s friends and family. She loves to make it extra special by incorporating the child’s favourite colour, season, treat, or activity into the wish experience – details she learns as she gets to know the child and their family.

“Wishes help families to relax, unwind and see their kids happy, even for a little bit,” she says.

Nilly has also worked with local businesses in her community for fun additions. For a recent wish reveal, she reached out to a local creamery to provide ice cream for a backyard event. She laughs about how it’s often the simple things kids love most – the tasty treat ended up being the biggest hit at the party. “Fun is good for you.”

Volunteering has deepened Nilly’s understanding of the stories she’s heard over the years from her patients. “No wonder these kids talk about their wishes for years. No wonder they invite us back for their parties or graduations. It speaks volumes about how much these wishes are appreciated.”