Why We're Fundraising for Make-A-Wish

Team Connor was formed in memory of Connor Troy, who was fortunate enough to receive a life-changing wish in 2012 because of the efforts of the Long Beach Polar Bear Club and their supporters. Unfortunately, Connor passed away shorty after receiving his wish, but his family fundraises and takes the plunge in his memory in the hopes of making wishes come true for other sick/terminal children and their families.

WHY WE DO THIS - Connor loved every minute of his Make A Wish Trip and and so did Ryan, Katie, Chris and myself. He was more alert and healthier than he had been in years. He was happier than we had seen him in a long time. It was like someone gave him some magic medicine that took away his pain and gave him super energy. But not only was it a great trip for Connor, Make a Wish took care of every detail and made things so easy for us as parents. We were used to everyday obstacles but Make A Wish made sure that there were none for a very special week. We didn’t know it at the time, but it would be the last trip that Connor would make ever. Connor lost his battle with his disease just 4 months after his Wish trip! We look through the wonderful wish trip pictures and are reminded of how amazing the trip was and we are so lucky to have those memories. 

In 2014 the Long Beach Polar Bears dedicated the sweatshirts in memory of Connor - there were yellow ones and black ones with yellow writing.  If you knew Connor, you knew yellow was his favorite color.  If you have a yellow one, you are lucky enough as there was only a limited amount. When we see someone with one on (especially a stranger) it makes a smile, and we know Connor is saying hello.

That year we raised about $8,000 by asking our friends and family to support our efforts.  We were amazed and overwhelmed. The next year we raised $10,000!!!!  Truly amazing.  Since then, we strive to raise that $10,000 which is just about the cost of one wish. In 2020 we hit $15,000!!!! And did it again in 2022!!!  Last year we raised a record $21,000 +  I am not sure, but I think we have raised over $100,000 in total.

We hope you will join Team Connor this year and take the plunge, make a donation to Make-A-Wish or buy a sweatshirt (or just wear yellow and think of Connor). 

Your donation makes a very huge difference in the lives of so many.  It did for our family here in Long Beach and we are ever so grateful.