Most of Mel Brown's entire career as an accountant and a paralegal was focused on dollars and cents. But when she retired 12 years ago, it was time to add something with heart to her life's resume. That's when she did something she always wanted to do. She decided to volunteer for Make-A-Wish and it was one of the best decisions she's ever made. Read more about Mel’s inspiring work with Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington at https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/yakimas-mel-brown-is-a-wish-maker-for-kids-with-critical-illnesses/article_091e47e6-1300-4888-9371-da64851b9d18.html 📸: Evan Abell / Yakima Herald-Republic (fb)

All moms are heroes, but wish moms are warriors! Today, we’re honoring the incredible strength, love, and resilience of wish moms, like Samantha, who hold their families together through life’s toughest moments. Wishes are about the the child, but they are also a chance for wish parents to catch their breath and have someone else make the plans, worry about the finances and make it happen. During their trip to Hawaii, Samantha discovered the true gift of a wish. 💖 “His wish gave hope and memories for us to hold onto when the uncertainty of his diagnosis catches up to us,” shared Bill’s mom, Samantha. “The gift of Bill's wish gave our family a stronger bond. We were able to go on this adventure, all experiencing something new, together. We have spent so much time in hospitals with Bill and his sister, it felt like we could finally relax and just breathe." 📸: Make-A-Wish Hawaii (fb)