Make-A-Wish North Dakota

10/16/2026

✈️ Your unused airline miles can make wishes possible!

This week on North Dakota Today, wish alumna Madi Lokken joined President and CEO Billi Jo Zielinski to share the story of her travel wish to meet the Cincinnati Bengals. 💙 🏈

Watch the full interview: https://www.valleynewslive.com/video/2026/10/14/north-dakota-today-make-a-wish-wednesday-wishes-flight-campaign/

Have unused United or Delta miles? Donate them through Wishes in Flight and help more wish kids experience the joy of a travel wish like Madi.

Donate your miles today at ndmilesforsmiles.wish.org

10/15/2026

Today, join us in celebrating our President and CEO, Billi Jo! 💙

It’s her 13th anniversary with Make-A-Wish North Dakota! For more than a decade, Billi has helped move our mission forward, bringing the power of a wish to children and families across North Dakota. During her 13 years with our chapter, more than 600 wishes have been granted. ⭐

Happy 13 years, Billi! Thank you for everything you do for our wish kids, families, team and mission.

10/15/2026

While going through cancer treatments, Jimi missed practices, games and time doing one of the things he loves most: playing soccer.

Now, the Mandan High School senior has some pretty exciting things ahead.

First up: state soccer in Fargo this weekend. Go Braves! ⚽
On deck: the wish of a lifetime, meeting Lionel Messi! ⭐

Jimi, we’re cheering you on at state and can’t wait for your upcoming wish trip! 💙

10/14/2026

One minute, it was just another soccer game. The next, Kiesyn learned he would be meeting Lionel Messi. ⚽✨

Surrounded by teammates, family, coaches and fans, Kiesyn received the exciting news that his wish is coming true. Soon, he'll travel to Florida for the chance to meet one of his biggest role models and the greatest soccer player of all time.

We couldn't be more excited for Kiesyn and his family as they prepare for this unforgettable wish journey. Stay tuned because the best part is still to come! 💙

Special thanks to The Dickinson Press for sharing Kiesyn's story, Dickinson Public Schools ND for capturing reveal photos, and to his volunteer wish granters Bonnie Goldsberry, Hope Sticka and Meagen Powell for creating a reveal he'll never forget. ⭐

Kiesyn Schmitt has a passion for the sport of soccer.

10/14/2026

A big thank-you to Kelli Kuether and Bismarck State College for welcoming us into their nursing classroom last week! 💙

We had the opportunity to connect with nursing students from across North Dakota and share how healthcare professionals play an important role in helping identify and refer children who may be eligible for a wish.

The students were engaged, thoughtful, and full of compassion, and it was inspiring to see their commitment to caring for others. Spending time with this group left us feeling hopeful about the future of healthcare in North Dakota.

Thank you, Bismarck State College, for helping us build awareness among the next generation of healthcare providers! ⭐

10/12/2026

Looking for some joy this afternoon? Listen to our President and CEO, Billi Jo Zielinski and volunteer Kaycee on today's kbmwnews.com show with Bill Dablow.

They talk all things Make-A-Wish North Dakota including wish impact stories, our current airline miles drive, how to volunteer, and more!

It is sure to make you smile. Thank you to host, Bill Dablow, for amplifying our mission on Make-A-Wish Mondays every month! 💙⭐

https://www.kbmwnews.com/episode/october-12th-2026-make-a-wish-nd-billi-jo-kaycee/

10/09/2026

Happy Pediatric Nurses Week! 💙

For many of our wish families, the journey to a wish begins in a hospital room. And along the way, there’s often a pediatric nurse making a difficult day a little easier.

The nurses who comfort a scared child. The ones who answer one more question, celebrate every victory, and care for families through some of their hardest moments.

Their compassion, patience, and dedication help our wish kids feel safe, seen, and supported when they need it most.

To all the pediatric nurses who care for the children and families we serve: thank you for the difference you make every single day. We are so grateful for you. ✨

10/09/2026

We’re celebrating alongside Ultra and her family today. 💙

For the past two years, Ultra has faced hospital visits, treatments and medication alarms with incredible strength. Along the way, we were honored to bring a little joy to her journey through her wish trip to Singapore, where she fed giraffes, visited amusement parks and made unforgettable memories with her family.

Now, we're thrilled to see Ultra cancer-free and getting back to doing what kids do best: being a kid. We're so grateful to have been a small part of her story and can't wait to see what adventures are ahead.

Congratulations, Ultra! ✨🎉

Bismarck girl beats cancer. MORE: https://www.kfyrtv.com/2026/10/08/bismarck-girl-beats-cancer/

10/08/2026

Did you know you can use a donor-advised fund to help grant life-changing wishes?
Today, we're celebrating DAF Day — a national day encouraging people with donor-advised funds to support the causes that matter most to them.

If you have a DAF, a grant to Make-A-Wish North Dakota can help create hope, strength and joy for a child facing critical illness, right here in our community. 💙

Learn more:https://wish.org/northdakota/planned-giving


A donor advised fund can help create life-changing wishes today while supporting wish kids for years to come.

10/07/2026

✈️ Love to travel? Travel for work? Your unused airline miles can help wishes take flight. ⭐

During October, Make-A-Wish North Dakota is celebrating the power of travel through our Wishes in Flight Miles for Smiles campaign.

More than 75% of wishes involve travel, and donated airline miles help wish families reach places like Singapore, Disney World, or once‑in‑a‑lifetime celebrity meet‑and‑greets. Every mile counts, and once donated, miles never expire.

✅ Donate 1,000 miles or more from Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus
✅ Miles stay right here in North Dakota
✅ Donations can be combined with others to grant more wishes

Up to 10 million miles could cover a full year of travel wishes for wish kids across our state. This fall, please help us ensure no child waits to travel on their wish due to cost. Pledge your unused miles today: https://lnkd.in/gfHPMGqk.

The sky’s the limit—and hope is closer than you think. 💙