By Jason Klaiber

Staff Writer

Make-A-Wish Central New York kicked off its 35th year of operation by way of a morning press conference on Jan. 21.

The founding of the independently incorporated local chapter came five years after the launch of the national non-profit organization.

In the span of time since, Make-A-Wish Central New York has granted the wishes of nearly 1,900 children battling critical illnesses.  

Diane Kuppermann, the president and CEO of the East Syracuse-based chapter, said hitting the 35-year point marks an “exciting time.”

“We reached this milestone because of a caring community in which we live and absolutely extraordinary people, including the more than 250 volunteers, countless donors, corporate partners, our board of trustees, a small but mighty staff and most especially the children we serve,” Kuppermann said. “These people represent our heroes.”

She said a wall in the local chapter’s building at 5005 Campuswood Drive showcasing the names of the children whose wishes have been met over the years supplies “daily inspiration.”

“While our stories are a mix of happy and sad endings, wishes are significant in the moments long after the wish happens,” Kuppermann said. “We are passionately and 150% committed to ensuring that every eligible child will have a wish come true.”

Susan Tormey, the chapter’s founding board chair, said early on she and others informed Central New York hospitals about their mission, collected monetary donations, recruited volunteers and worked to build awareness in the public sphere.    

Tormey said Kuppermann’s leadership and “insatiable commitment” has caused the chapter to grow “exponentially” the past couple of decades.

This growth has allowed the chapter to support the wishes of many local children.

Patrick Carman, a wish alum who received a trip to Walt Disney World in 2006, said during the press conference that his theme park outing taught him “the power of having dreams.”

“This trip gave my family and I hope and memories that have seen us through many difficult times,” Carman said.

Sisters Barb Galvin and Terry Baum, both wish-granting volunteers, said their ties to the local Make-A-Wish chapter started in July 1992. A visit to Disney World that month honored the wish of Brian Galletta, Galvin’s son and Baum’s nephew.

Galvin, who has helped to grant 80 wishes for the organization to date, called that 1992 trip “life-altering.”

“Brian had so many procedures,” she said. “It was a time for Brian not to be sick.”

Galletta passed away this past Christmas at age 42.

“There are 60 stars on that wall that are my wish kids,” Baum said. “But there’s one star on that wall that means the most to me, and that’s Brian’s.”

Lou Anne Mann, a public relations specialist for Carrier Corporation, said that in 1992 Carrier became the first company in the area to become an Adopt-A-Wish sponsor.

As such, the company has donated over $130,000 to support children’s experiences, including a limousine ride to Destiny USA for a shopping spree and excursions to Hawaii and Italy.

“To provide a child with a life-changing wish experience means contributing to the well-being of our community and making Central New York a better place to live,” Mann said.

Chris Panebianco, the chief marketing officer for Bankers Healthcare Group Inc., presented the local Make-A-Wish chapter with a check for $35,000 on Jan. 21, launching a partnership between the two entities.

One of 60 chapters nationwide, Make-A-Wish Central New York serves a 15-county region, including Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Otsego, St. Lawrence, Tioga and Tompkins counties.

Children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 years and diagnosed with a critical illness are eligible to have their wishes granted by the organization.

“Once you are part of Make-A-Wish, it remains in your heart forever,” Tormey said. “These very special children and their families become part of our families. They teach us courage, humility, strength and perseverance.”