A tragic fall just days after her engagement changed Pam Schieler’s life in ways she never could have imagined. With a long recovery from the injuries, Pam’s fiancé Corey knew they needed something to think about outside of their day-to-day of doctors’ appointments, surgeries, and therapy. Corey booked them a trip to look forward to; it was just the turning point the couple needed to get their lives back on their intended life trajectory.
Corey had his own life-threatening medical issue around that time, and it further solidified their current attitude to live life to the fullest every day, since no one knows what tomorrow brings. As they returned from their honeymoon, they met their neighbor’s daughter, Cait, hosting a fundraiser to get a service dog. Cait was living with a genetic condition that often caused her to break bones. Pam and Cait bonded over their similar healing journeys, and soon the trio were fast friends. They threw themselves into helping Cait get her service dog.
Bringing the community together for Cait’s cause inspired Corey to get involved with Make-A-Wish. A few years later, Pam officially joined, and together they enjoy creating excitement and positive distractions for their wish kids since they know first-hand that having something to look forward to is powerful medicine.
“Every new wish brings back those feelings of optimism and hope for us,” Corey shared. “We find our work with Make-A-Wish incredibly heartwarming and fulfilling; giving back in this way is what Pam and I want to be remembered for.”
In addition to their volunteer efforts, the Schielers know that financial contributions are needed to ensure wishes are granted. They are committed to making generous personal annual contributions and have included Make-A-Wish Illinois in their estate plans.
The key elements of Make-A-Wish mirror their deeply held personal values – resilience, hope and family – so giving back through supporting wishes comes naturally to them.
“Giving can make all the difference because it creates opportunities for magical things to happen,” Corey said.
Through Make-A-Wish, the couple has made many meaningful connections with wish families and the businesses and groups that support wishes in the community. Inviting others to be part of the magic by participating or giving is one of the couple’s favorite parts. They find that there is a snowballing effect of positive energy when more people can be part of granting a wish.
“We started giving back because Cait inspired us…We continue to do so because every time we do, we think of and honor her.”
Pam (left) and Corey (far right) with wish kid Kai and her parents Malik and Kaila. The Schielers have been wish granting volunteers since 2010, granting more than 40 wishes.
