The Make-A-Wish Big Wish is a night that sticks with you, that inspires you, and that gives you hope. It’s a night that lets me watch as kids are braver than I could ever dream to be. A night that lets me see how our community rallies around these children, with love and support and donations to help make their big wish come true.

I’ve photographed this evening before. And every time, it’s breathtaking. But this year, this night was the best I’ve ever experienced. It was knock-you-off-your-socks beautiful. I captured images I will always be thankful for. Kids cheerfully reliving their wishes, parents bravely baring their hearts as they tearfully recount what a vacation meant to their family then and how much it means now after their son has passed, the smallest, sweetest, most perfect girl being granted her wish in front of a ballroom of completely moved strangers.

This night is incredible. It is a gift to photograph it.

Take some time to look at what the Big Wish night supports. Sweet kids. Happy kids. Kids who are living out their biggest wishes.