Wishes are a big part of Granted, but they are just one element of the nonprofit’s mission.
Founded in the 1980s as Wish Upon A Star, the organization offers dreamed-of experiences to children with life-threatening illnesses. As its range of services expanded into emotional and financial support, community involvement, and guidance for navigating steps, in 2016 it rebranded as Granted.
Heather Lawson was introduced to Granted when her 18-year-old daughter, Alexis Rusin, was diagnosed with an aggressive late-stage cancer. Overwhelmed and with little time, Lawson credits Granted Executive Director Susan Washburn for working tirelessly and quickly to ensure that medical equipment, backup plans, and medications were in place for air travel and the Disney visit.
“They took care of all the expenses,” Lawson says with emotion. “When your child’s dying, the last thing you want to say to them is ‘no.’”
After Alexis passed away in December 2021, Lawson became honorary fundraising chair for the House of Hope, a multi-purpose center for Wish families under construction on Oak Hill Road.
Dan Dennison channels his pain into a new mission after losing his 16-year-old son Grant to an extremely rare and difficult-to-treat cancer in May 2022. Dennison became involved with Granted so his son could participate in the inaugural Over The Edge rappelling fundraiser that April but as the date approached, Grant entered hospice.
In addition to giving Dennison a financial gift, “After Grant’s passing, they arranged for us to have precooked meals delivered,” he says. “They kept in contact and included us in with the Granted Guardians website. … We stayed in contact with the organization and new events. Come the next April, I decided to participate.” Dennison now serves as a volunteer board member.
Jason Reeves has had his own unique experience as a Wish kid. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus as an infant, Reeves’ first surgery was when he was one. More than 40 followed. Granted stepped in to assist his family when Reeves was nine and build a lifelong relationship.
Now 19 and considered a Wish “graduate,” Reeves is pursuing a psychology and pre-medicine career track at the University of Evansville. He has joined Granted’s board of directors and is quick to credit the organization for improving his and his family’s lives throughout his procedures.
“I started reaching out to Susan because I just love helping … the people who help me,” he says.
