Tarrytown-Based Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley Opens Starblazer Awards Nominations

TARRYTOWN, NY — Sometimes a wish can make all the difference.

Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley in Tarrytown announced Tuesday that nominations are open for the second year of the Starblazer Awards, a national program that recognizes former wish recipients whose experiences have led to leadership and community impact. The chapter said it is partnering with Make-A-Wish America, chapters nationwide and founding partner Allied World on the awards program.

The Starblazer Awards were created by Make-A-Wish America to spotlight previous wish recipients who have grown up to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. The organization said the program is intended to show that a wish can be more than a joyful experience for a child facing a critical illness and can become a source of hope, confidence and lasting perspective.

The announcement also addresses a common misunderstanding about the organization. Make-A-Wish said it serves children with critical illnesses across many diagnoses and stages of treatment, not only children with terminal diagnoses. It said stories from wish alumni and families help illustrate what wish families and research have long shown, that a wish can bring hope, strengthen emotional well-being and leave a lasting imprint on how a child sees the future.

Nominations are open to the public, and anyone may submit a nomination. Alumni may also apply to be considered here, according to the announcement.

The program's continued growth is supported by Allied World, which the announcement identifies as an award-founding supporter. According to the announcement, Allied World is also a partner of Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley and has sponsored more than 50 wishes, along with providing children access to family-friendly entertainment experiences.

"We are so grateful for Allied World’s partnership and their commitment to making wishes possible for children and families here in the Hudson Valley," said Kristine Burton, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley. "Since 2022, they have been a true champion for our community, helping bring hope and joy during some of life's most challenging moments. Their support not only helps grant wishes today, but also makes programs like the Starblazer Awards possible, celebrating the lasting impact of a wish and the belief that anything is possible."

"Allied World believes that every child deserves the opportunity to experience hope, joy, and the power of possibility," said Wes Dupont, Chief Operating Officer. "Through our support of Make-A-Wish and the Starblazer Awards, we are proud to help make wishes come true, creating meaningful moments for children and families."