For many children facing a critical illness, a wish is more than a joyful experience. It can become a source of hope, confidence, and lasting perspective during one of the hardest chapters of childhood.
Today, Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley, in partnership with chapters nationwide and Make-A-Wish America, and with the support of founding partner Allied World, announces the return of its Starblazer Awards, opening nominations for the second year of the national recognition program honoring stellar wish alumni whose lives have been transformed into lifelong missions of impact and leadership in their industries, workplaces, and communities.
The Starblazer Awards spotlight wish alumni whose stories help show that a wish is not simply a moment of celebration. It can mark a turning point in how a child and their family navigate a medical journey. While Make-A-Wish is often misunderstood as an organization serving only children with terminal diagnoses, it grants wishes for children with critical illnesses across many diagnoses and stages of treatment. These stories help illuminate what wish families and research have long shown: a wish can bring hope, strengthen emotional well-being and leave a lasting imprint on how a child sees the future.
Nominations are now open, and the public is encouraged to nominate wish alumni who are making outstanding contributions to society. Anyone may submit a nomination, and alumni may also apply to be considered at wish.org/starblazer.
The continued growth of the Starblazer Awards is made possible through the support of dedicated partners like Allied World, an award‑founding supporter of the program. Their investment helps expand national recognition for Starblazer Award recipients and reinforces the lasting impact of a wish beyond the wish itself.
Allied World is a proud partner of Make‑A‑Wish Hudson Valley and has sponsored more than 50 wishes, in addition to providing children with access to family‑friendly entertainment experiences. As a Starblazer Award Founder, Allied World supports the role of wishes in helping children navigate their medical journeys and recognizes that these experiences can create lasting benefits for children and their families.
“We are so grateful for Allied World’s partnership and their commitment to making wishes possible for children and families here in the Hudson Valley,” said Kristine Burton, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley. “Since 2022, they have been a true champion for our community, helping bring hope and joy during some of life’s most challenging moments. Their support not only helps grant wishes today, but also makes programs like the Starblazer Awards possible, celebrating the lasting impact of a wish and the belief that anything is possible.”
“Allied World believes that every child deserves the opportunity to experience hope, joy, and the power of possibility,” said Wes Dupont, Chief Operating Officer. “Through our support of Make-A-Wish and the Starblazer Awards, we are proud to help make wishes come true, creating meaningful moments for children and families.”
The Starblazer Awards program is also grateful for the generosity of other award‑founding donors, including Jim & Colleen Clark, Jeff & Anna Saplis, Michael Halle, the John Dawson Foundation, Paul & Angie Martino, the Montgomery Family, and Jeff & Jenny Wright and their family, whose support helps elevate the voices of wish alumni and advance the Make‑A‑Wish mission nationwide.
Future Starblazer Awards may be established by donors through the program. To learn more about the Starblazer Awards or to submit a nomination, visit wish.org/starblazer to learn more.
