Celebrating the First-Ever Starblazer Award Recipients
Make-A-Wish is thrilled to celebrate its inaugural Starblazer Award honorees, six remarkable alumni who highlight the enduring impact a wish can create. These inspiring individuals have transformed their childhood wishes into powerful motivators for positive change, making significant contributions to their communities and beyond.
Understanding the Broader Mission of Make-A-Wish
Many people associate Make-A-Wish with children experiencing serious health challenges, but the organization’s mission reaches far beyond that. It serves a diverse group of children battling various critical illnesses. Importantly, the majority of the children who receive wishes from Make-A-Wish go on to thrive and grow into adulthood. With over 400,000 wish alumni across the nation, the profound effects of a wish are evident in the lives they lead.
Wish children often evolve into influential figures such as doctors, teachers, advocates, and community leaders. They continue to make a meaningful difference in the world, fueled by the support and hope they received during their own challenging times.
Reflections from Leadership on the Meaning of a Wish
Leslie Motter, the president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, shares that a wish can be a pivotal moment in a child's life. "A wish is not just a brief uplift; instead, it marks a significant turning point," she explains. "When children envision their wishes, they rediscover hope and joy amid difficult circumstances. The Starblazer Awards honor those alumni who are exemplifying this impact and showing that one wish can profoundly change a life, inspiring many others in the process."
Meet the Inspiring Starblazer Honorees of 2025
Here are the remarkable individuals recognized for their achievements and the legacies they are building:
Danielle Burns
Recipient of The Olivia Colleen Starblazer Award
In 2019, Danielle's wish to construct a well in Africa provided a beacon of hope during her treatment. Today, her experience motivates her to assist children in Uganda, serve on a nonprofit board, and engage in therapeutic camps, bringing joy to countless others.
Abigail Tremp
Recipient of The Jeff & Anna Saplis Quiet Angel Foundation Starblazer Award
Abigail's wish to visit Washington, D.C., in 2017 offered her enduring hope as she faced her congenital heart defect. Inspired by her journey, she established three "Kids for Wish Kids" clubs and has actively volunteered with Make-A-Wish, granting 27 wishes and serving as a Wish Granting Intern.
Aubrienne Silva
Recipient of The Wright Family Starblazer Award
Aubrienne's 2019 wish to travel to a tropical resort instilled hope and purpose in her life. She is committed to community service through initiatives like Looms of Light for pediatric cancer patients and holds leadership roles at UCLA's AMSA, all while aspiring to become a pediatric oncologist.
Campbell Faulkner
Recipient of The Michael Halle Starblazer Award
After receiving a wish to visit Wrigley Field in 2017, Campbell was inspired to establish a nonprofit that now positively impacts over 50,000 lives, creating a wave of positivity throughout his community.
David Klafter
Recipient of The John Dawson Foundation Starblazer Award
A wish to meet the President of the United States granted to David in 1989 sparked a lifelong commitment to philanthropy. He now volunteers regularly, offering support and warmth to cancer patients at the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center.
Owen Gray
Recipient of The Monty Starblazer Award
Owen’s wish in 2018 to be the Celebrity Guest Picker for ESPN College GameDay brought joy not only to him but to his family as well. This life-changing experience encouraged him to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, while also motivating him to volunteer and support various philanthropic endeavors, including the Marfan Foundation.
The Importance of Generosity in Creating Lasting Impact
The Starblazer Awards were made possible through the generous donations of founding benefactors, including Jim and Colleen Clark, Jeff and Anna Saplis, and many others who have supported Make-A-Wish over the years. Their commitment provides the foundation for recognizing deserving alumni who have exemplified the spirit of the organization.
About Make-A-Wish®
Make-A-Wish creates transformative experiences for children with critical illnesses. Established in Phoenix, this nonprofit organization stands as the most trusted in the U.S. and operates in all 50 states, supported by generous donors, dedicated staff, and nearly 20,000 volunteers. The goal of Make-A-Wish is to ensure every child grappling with health challenges can access the power of a wish, which has been shown to enhance both emotional well-being and physical health. Since its founding, Make-A-Wish has granted over 650,000 wishes globally and over 400,000 in the United States alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Starblazer Awards?
The Starblazer Awards celebrate exceptional former wish recipients who are making impactful contributions in their communities.
How does Make-A-Wish choose its honorees?
Honorees are selected based on their inspiring stories and the positive change they have brought to their communities after receiving wishes.
How many wish children have there been?
Since its inception, Make-A-Wish has granted over 650,000 wishes worldwide, with more than 400,000 in the U.S.
What impact do wishes have on children?
Wishes provide children with hope and joy, significantly improving their emotional and physical health during challenging times.
How can someone support Make-A-Wish?
Individuals can support Make-A-Wish through donations, volunteer work, or by fundraising to help grant more wishes.
