Doug Raper founded Wish Granters in 2010.  He had spent several years working for children’s Wish organizations and realized there were many children’s Wish organizations that do amazing things, but very few that step up to help make dreams come true for adults who have terminal illnesses.

Doug was in the role of Executive Director from 2010 until he retired in 2016.  The first wish was granted on December 17, 2010, and during his tenure as Executive Director, he orchestrated the granting of hundreds of wishes.   Even though retirement called him, he has retained a position on the Board of Directors and continues to actively work on granting wishes.

He lives in Garden Valley with his wife Bonnie, and two much loved cats (Murphy and Mac).  Spending time with his children and grandchildren is his greatest pleasure.

 

Kennette McWilliams was fortunate to be asked to join Wish Granters when the organization was forming. At the time Kennette was working in hospice care and realized the value of quality of life and living and the importance of a patient having an opportunity fulfill a “hope” or a Wish.

As a patient’s life journey is coming to an end it is not uncommon to maintain “hope” but it does change and transform over time and often quality of life becomes paramount. You see as patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness; there is “hope” that the medical interventions or treatment will work to eradicate or slow the disease progression. The individual may “hope” to live to the birth of an unborn grandchild, or attend their child’s graduation. They may “hope” for a family gathering, or perhaps they “hope” to take care of something to reduce stress or worry of their loved ones.

A wish does not have to be extravagant to be meaningful!

Kennette shares some of her favorite wishes over the years: attending a movie at the local theatre via an ambulance gurney to be present with family; wedding dress shopping even though the patient’s daughter was yet to be engaged; or the anniversary dinner shared between husband and wife.

Kennette is married and has 3 children and her first grandson is anticipated in Jan 2021. She works for St. Luke’s Health System as the Operational Manager of St. Luke’s Hospice overseeing the social work, spiritual care, bereavement and volunteer program for the Home Health and Hospice services.

Kennette is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked for St. Luke’s Health System for 20 years with 17 of those within hospice.

Debbie was a young girl when her father was diagnosed with a stage 4 glioblastoma. Her mother went back to school so she could support 5 children, graduating with a degree in nursing. Debbie stepped in to take care of her father up until the time of his death, since his wish was to be at home. That experience led her into nursing, and she too graduated from college with a degree in nursing. That passion for caring and teaching patients lasted 40 years.

In 2014, Debbie’s husband of 35 years died suddenly. It was through that experience she understood how a final wish would have been meaningful for herself and her 3 daughters.

Currently, Debbie’s goal is to help loved ones, along with their families, to enjoy one final wish. She believes giving them this very special memory that will remain in their hearts is such a blessing.

Jim Paulson first became aware of the organization’s lofty goals and objectives in 2014, when a friend of his was granted a wish for his family. He started attending functions and fund raisers. Jim joined the Wish Granters Board of Directors in 2018. He also serves as Communications and Marketing Director.

Jim is also the owner and broker of Progressive Realty Corporation, and has been a licensed Realtor in Idaho since 1991. Prior to that, he was a Marketing and Planning Specialist for Morrison-Knudsen Corporation, starting work for them his senior year at Boise State University.

Jim brings a unique perspective to the board. His wife had already been diagnosed with terminal stage IV uterine cancer when he first learned about Wish Granters. He saw firsthand the impacts on the terminally ill person, their entire family, and those around them. He learned about palliative health care, hospice, and more. He is passionate about taking his experiences to help others.

Sharon became a part of the Wish Granters Board of Directors when an opening came available: “I am happy to be a part of such an amazing organization that can leave everlasting memories for our wish recipients.”

Sharon is a proud mother of 3 wonderful sons and a new grandma. She welcomed her newest furry friend, Lucky, as the winner of a live auction through Wish Granters annual fundraising event 3 years ago.

Sharon graduated with a BS in business at CSU, Stanislaus in California. Her career has always been customer service driven, but mostly concentrated in managerial roles. For the past 8 years, she has served as the office manager/controller at Great Basin Inc. She enjoys family time, fishing, games, cooking, baking, music, hiking, gardening, photography, arts & crafts.

“To those who are given much, much is expected!”

That is Cherie’s motto, which she tries to practice whenever possible. Cherie joined the Wish Granters board in 2011 after hearing from one of her friends the amazing things that they did for dying adults. She lost her father to Parkinson’s disease and her mother to ovarian cancer, and has witnessed firsthand the impact illness makes on a family. “To come alongside a family and grant a wish, and leave the loved ones left behind a memory is something that I totally want to be a part of!” Cherie worked in radio for 20 years and learned the importance of making an impact for the community that supported her.

Cherie’s biggest contribution for Wish Granters has been at Valentine’s Day. Along with a dear friend, they create and sell over 100 handmade valentines each year. To date, they have raised close to $10,000 for Wish Granters: “For each card I design and then make, I know I am helping to grant a wish for someone terminally ill. That makes the hours of work more rewarding.”

Cherie is so excited about the future of Wish Granters and hopes to see it serve more counties in Idaho. She loves to be a part of wishes and watch the impact they make on families and friends: “I always take tissues, as each wish granted is such an emotional moment.”

Cherie served as Vice-President for 2 years and was elected President in 2019, serving for 2 years in that capacity.