Interview: Sue Salter, CEO, Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana

Make-A-Wish South Dakota and Montana granted 81 wishes to children with critical illnesses this fiscal year. While that number is still not quite up to pre-pandemic levels, CEO Sue Salter says the organization is excited to be heading firmly in the right direction again. 

MED: How did the pandemic affect Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana?

SS: We never stopped granting wishes, but the kind of wishes we were granting changed dramatically. Prior to the pandemic, close to 80 percent of wishes involved travel. But we had an entire year (2021) where there was no plane travel allowed. So we saw a change to things like shopping sprees. We still have a moratorium on international travel.

MED: Tell us about the impact survey conducted last year by MAW America.

SS: This was a survey of medical providers, wish alumni, and wish parents. One of the most exciting findings is that 100 percent of medical providers reported that the wish experience improved both a child's and their own emotional wellbeing. It has been an especially trying few years for healthcare workers. But we experience joy when we see other people having their burdens lifted and that includes providers.

MED: Is there evidence that a wish can impact a child's physical as well as their emotional wellbeing?

SS: Yes! In that same survey, 9 out of 10 medical providers said that a wish increased compliance with treatment. The same number observed that the wish experience had a positive impact on a child's physical wellbeing and overall quality of life. By giving them something to look forward to, it can renew their strength to fight their illness. In fact, 8 out of 10 providers said that they believed a wish to be a necessary part of a child's journey. 

MED: What are Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana's goals going forward?

SS: Our strategic vision for the future includes a goal of granting 650 wishes in a five-year period. That includes a goal of 115 wishes in the current fiscal year, which started September 1. One of the most important things we plan to do to achieve that vision is to hire a full-time medical outreach and intake manager to help us build and strengthen relationships with our medical community partners. We are really looking forward to granting the wish of every eligible child in Montana and South Dakota.