Spreading Joy Amidst Uncertainty: A Conversation with David from A Special Wish Foundation
For nearly five years, the Are You Happy? podcast has explored what it means to live a fulfilling, joyful life by featuring people who dedicate themselves to making the world a better place. In this episode, we meet David, the Executive Director of A Special Wish Foundation of Southwest Ohio, an organization that grants life-changing wishes to children facing life-threatening illnesses.
David’s story is one of personal transformation. After years in corporate America, he found himself asking deeper questions about purpose and fulfillment. A teaching opportunity at a wilderness school for abused children in North Carolina shifted his worldview. There, he saw firsthand the resilience of children who had been dismissed by society, and it ignited a passion to make a lasting difference.
That passion led him to A Special Wish Foundation, where he has now served for over 13 years. The nonprofit's mission is simple yet profound: bring joy, hope, and lasting memories to families navigating unimaginable circumstances. Whether it’s sending a child to Disney World, creating a custom gaming room, or arranging a personal meeting with a sports hero, every wish is designed to give children a moment of happiness and normalcy.
During the episode, David shares the touching story of Andrew, a young boy battling cancer whose biggest wish was to meet baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. The foundation made it happen. Today, Andrew is a survivor, a father, and still keeps the signed bat and glove from that day—reminders of a powerful moment that helped change his perspective during his illness.
But David also speaks candidly about the challenges. Not every child survives. Yet, even in those heartbreaking cases, the memories of joy created through the wish experience stay with families forever. As one mother told him, “You are the sunshine in the middle of a tornado.” It’s that kind of impact that fuels his daily drive to do more.
The foundation’s model is family-centered. Every wish includes not just the child but their entire household—acknowledging that illness affects the whole family. And every wish is made possible by community donations and support.
When asked what keeps him going, David says his daily mission is simple: do right by the people who need it most. That commitment resonates deeply throughout this conversation, offering listeners both inspiration and an invitation to be part of something bigger than themselves.
If you’re looking for proof that happiness can be created even in life’s hardest moments, this episode will stay with you long after it ends.