We Are For Good Podcast - Episode 630: From One Wish to a Movement: Disney & Make-A-Wish’s 45-Year Journey

Release Date: July 7, 2025
Hosts: Jon McCoy, CFRE and Becky Endicott, CFRE
Guests: Jamie Sandys, Senior Brand Manager for Brand Communications and PR at Make-A-Wish America; Tajiana Ancora-Brown, External Affairs Director at Disney World Resort

Introduction: Celebrating a Magical Partnership

In Episode 630 of the We Are For Good Podcast, hosts Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott delve into the extraordinary 45-year collaboration between Disney and Make-A-Wish America. This partnership has transformed countless lives by granting over 165,000 Disney-themed wishes, creating magical experiences for children facing critical illnesses. The episode features insightful discussions with Jamie Sandys and Tajiana Ancora-Brown, who illuminate the depth and impact of this enduring alliance.

Meet the Guests: Champions of Hope and Magic

Becky opens the conversation by introducing the guests, highlighting their roles and the profound contributions they've made to their respective organizations.

Jamie Sandys shared his journey:
"A lot of what has brought me into wish granting is coming to work here at Disney World. I've been with Disney for almost seven years, witnessing firsthand the legacy and impact of our wish-granting programs" (05:14). His role involves developing and executing national PR strategies that have garnered over 60 billion earned media impressions annually for Make-A-Wish.

Tajiana Ancora-Brown recounts her long-standing dedication:
"Make-A-Wish is all I've ever known. From an internship to now, 13 years later, I love it so much. The boundless imagination of the wish kids keeps me engaged and excited every day" (05:25).

A Legacy of Magical Wishes: Heartwarming Stories

The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Jamie and Tajiana share memorable wish-granting experiences that exemplify the magic of their partnership.

Jamie describes a wish where a child met Mickey Mouse:
"We arranged a special baseball game at ESPN Wide World of Sports where Mickey played with a wish kid—capturing a smile that still warms our hearts today" (09:00).

Another standout moment involves Cora, a wish kid who met elephant Korra at Disney's Animal Kingdom during Earth Month:
"This interaction with the animals created a moment she and her family will cherish forever" (09:30).

Tajiana shares an imaginative wish:
"A child in Wisconsin wished to meet Bigfoot. We created a treasure map leading him to a trailer in the woods where he met Bigfoot by a campfire—a wish that felt incredibly real to him" (11:00).

The Foundation of Partnership: From the First Wish to Today

Becky prompts a discussion on the origins of the Disney-Make-A-Wish partnership, tracing it back to the very first wish granted at Disneyland.

Jamie reflects on the cultural ethos of Disney that fuels their mission:
"The culture at Disney inherently wants to have a positive impact. Walt Disney himself visited children's hospitals, and that legacy continues today" (13:10).

Tajiana adds, emphasizing the collaborative spirit:
"The first wish saw Disneyland cast members come together to grant that wish, setting a precedent for the decades-long relationship that follows" (13:20).

This foundational commitment has fostered a ripple effect, continuously inspiring both organizations to enhance their efforts in making dreams come true.

Behind the Scenes: Orchestrating Large-Scale Wish Events

John inquires about the logistics of managing multiple wishes simultaneously, using the example of the "Once Upon a Wish Party," which granted 50 princess wishes at once.

Jamie explains the meticulous planning and partnership involved:
"We collaborated closely with Make-A-Wish to create a Disneyland experience centered on Disney Princesses, ensuring it was meaningful for different age groups and inclusive for entire families" (14:55).

This event not only fulfilled numerous wishes but also strengthened the sense of community among the families involved.

Measuring Impact: Beyond Numbers

Becky shifts the focus to the impact measurement strategies employed by Make-A-Wish.

Tajiana emphasizes the importance of capturing both tangible and intangible outcomes:
"We invest in speaking with medical professionals, parents, and wish alumni to understand the transformational impact of a wish. It often leads to improved treatment compliance, better quality of life, and enhanced medical outcomes" (17:35).

She highlights the profound statement from doctors:
"We heal the body, but the wish heals the soul. A wish is the medicine that we can't prescribe" (17:50).

This holistic approach ensures that the true essence of each wish is understood and appreciated.

The DNA of a Lasting Partnership: Principles and Success Factors

John probes into what makes the Disney-Make-A-Wish partnership so effective.

Jamie outlines the key elements:
"A clear understanding of each other's missions, open dialogue, and a commitment to long-term impact are crucial. We ensure that our contributions are meaningful and aligned with Make-A-Wish's goals" (21:35).

Tajiana echoes the sentiment, adding the importance of being open to feedback:
"It's vital to have candidness with our partners. When something isn't working, we address it openly to find better ways to support the mission" (22:00).

This foundation of trust and mutual respect has been instrumental in sustaining their collaboration over the years.

Personal Reflections: Stories that Inspire

The hosts invite the guests to share personal stories that have shaped their commitment to philanthropy.

Tajiana shares a poignant childhood memory:
"When I was eight, my best friend passed away from leukemia. My dad arranged a Phoenix Suns experience for him through Make-A-Wish without knowing it would deeply influence my future" (30:29).

Jamie reflects on his upbringing overseas and his mother's influence:
"Growing up on a small island where philanthropy wasn't common, my mother started one of the first NGOs. Volunteering from a young age instilled in me the importance of giving back" (32:00).

These personal anecdotes underscore the profound motivations driving their dedication to making a difference.

Final Insights: One Good Thing

As the podcast winds down, Becky invites the guests to share a piece of advice or wisdom.

Jamie offers a creative perspective:
"There's no one right way of doing things, but there's a wrong way. Embrace different approaches to achieve your goals" (34:22).

Tajiana emphasizes the importance of being other-focused:
"At nonprofits, it's crucial to prioritize others' needs. Building relationships that serve others first leads to long-term, fruitful partnerships" (35:08).

Their insights provide valuable guidance for nonprofit professionals seeking to foster impactful and sustainable relationships.

Stay Connected: Joining the Movement

Tajiana and Jamie encourage listeners to engage with Make-A-Wish and Disney's efforts:

• Website: wish.org
• Partnership Info: wish.org/disney
• Social Media: Follow Make-A-Wish America and Disney Parks channels for heartwarming stories and updates.

Becky reiterates the importance of community and partnership in driving meaningful change, inviting listeners to contribute to the mission of granting every eligible child's wish.

Conclusion: A Heartfelt Thank You

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to the guests for their inspiring work and dedication. Becky expresses deep gratitude for the magical experiences Disney and Make-A-Wish create, highlighting their role in bringing joy and hope to families in need.

Tajiana and Jamie reciprocate the gratitude, affirming their commitment to continuing this impactful partnership.

This episode of We Are For Good Podcast serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and creativity in transforming lives. Through the enchanting stories and unwavering dedication of Disney and Make-A-Wish America, listeners are reminded of the profound impact that thoughtful philanthropy can achieve.