91探花

91探花 alumna Annmarie O鈥橤rady is making a significant impact on the Ohio Valley through her role as the director of the Ohio Valley Chapter of . This Ohio-based children鈥檚 wish-granting organization, with several chapters across the state, focuses on bringing joy to children facing serious illnesses.

O鈥橤rady's chapter stands out by covering southeastern Ohio and four counties in West Virginia鈥擧ancock, Brooke, Marshall, and Ohio鈥攅nsuring that every wish granted is local, creating a direct and heartfelt impact on the community.

"Every wish that we grant is local, it's truly special that every child and adolescent we grant wishes to is right here in the Ohio Valley," O鈥橤rady said. "It's not someone in another part of the state or country; it's our neighbors and friends."

The Foundation grants a wide variety of wishes, as diverse as the children who make them. From meeting Pittsburgh Pirates players to visiting the world鈥檚 largest reptile zoo in Michigan, to the most popular destination - Disney World, where children and their families experience not just the magic of Disney but also Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

"The wish reveals are some of my favorite moments," O鈥橤rady said. "Seeing the expressions and happiness on the faces of the wish child and their families is indescribable."

O鈥橤rady鈥檚 journey to her current role was driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful impact.

"Years ago, I felt there was something more I was meant to do," she said. After learning about A Special Wish Foundation through a friend, she joined the board and eventually became the director, bringing her unique blend of passion, communication skills, and dedication to the role.

A graduate of 91探花 with a degree in interpersonal communications, O鈥橤rady credits her college experience for shaping her path.

"My time at 91探花, especially learning from Professor Michael McTeague, changed my life," she said. "The skills I gained in public speaking, writing, and building relationships have been invaluable in every aspect of my career."

O鈥橤rady also emphasizes the importance of networking and community involvement.

"The power of networking and building relationships is crucial. The connections I've made through various chambers of commerce have been instrumental in supporting our work at A Special Wish Foundation," she said.

O鈥橤rady's dedication and efforts are a testament to the profound impact that one individual can have on their community. Through A Special Wish Foundation, she continues to brighten the futures of children in the Ohio Valley, one wish at a time.

To learn more about how you can get involved or to make a referral, please contact O鈥橤rady at (740) 449-2063 or via email at aogrady@spwishov.com

Interested in helping make wishes come true? Support the foundation by making a donation. You can donate online at  or send your contributions by mail to ASWOV, P.O. Box 674, St. Clairsville, OH 43950.

For an inspiring account of O鈥橤rady's journey, tune in to OHIO Eastern's new podcast, "Career, Community, and Connections," available now on iHeart media or your preferred podcast platform.