04/25/2026
✨ Today, we’re celebrating incredible community members like the Buldoc family. Continuing our celebration, their story is a beautiful reminder of how wishes - and giving back - can bring families together.
Wish kiddo Maddie was introduced to Make‑A‑Wish Hudson Valley in August 2022 after being diagnosed with leukemia. Just a few months into treatment, she shared her wish: to go to Disney World.
Although her December 2023 trip had to be postponed, Maddie’s wish finally came true in May 2024 - and it was unforgettable. One especially meaningful moment happened at EPCOT, where Maddie met Mulan, who spent extra time with her and even invited her to a special tea moment that made the experience even more personal.
The memories didn’t stop there. From riding the carousel at Give Kids The World every time they passed it, to visiting Santa (yes—even in May!), to returning later with her Meemaw to reflect on the journey, the wish created moments the family will carry with them forever.
As the Buldoc family shared, “This organization has done so much to help our family… it brought life back to us.”
Now, that joy is being paid forward - together. Inspired by her own wish, Maddie’s older sister Hannah asked how they could help other kids experience the same hope and happiness. That question turned into action, and each year the family teams up with their Meemaw to host a fundraising event at Cunningham Family Farms, helping grant more wishes for children across our community.
As they beautifully put it, “It’s really important for us to teach our children what it means to give back… It’s something we want to do every year so that we can help other children have their wishes granted.”
Inspired by the Buldoc family and ready to become a WishMaker too? 💙
Sign up for our Volunteer Orientation at hudson.wish.org/RSVP and join a community that’s been creating hope for 40 years.
