BY J.M. LEE
When Christie Buono stepped into her role as Chapter Director at Make-A-Wish Canada for BC & Yukon, she wasn’t just taking on a job; she was answering a calling. The organization, which grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, has become a beacon of hope for families across the BC and Yukon region under her leadership. But her journey to this point was anything but straightforward.
Buono’s journey was shaped by personal hardships. More than ten years ago, two serious car crashes led to her suffering from chronic pain and fibromyalgia, which forced her to leave a beloved career in professional football. Doctors told her she might never work again. She moved back in with her parents, uncertain about what the future held. “There were days when I didn’t know how I would move forward,” she recalls. “The people around me, my community, rallied to carry me through some of my darkest days. They reminded me of who I was and who they believed I could become.”
That support from family and close friends, along with her own resilience, carried her through. Today, Buono is a Certified Leadership Coach, serves on the Board of Directors for the BC Lions Alumni Association, and is a graduate of the Brave Leadership for Women cohort. Her leadership legacy is defined by “heart-centered boldness,” a philosophy she lives every day at Make-A-Wish Canada.
Her connection to the organization started with a very personal story. Kim, the daughter of one of her father’s teammates, Wally Buono, a former Montreal Alouettes player, was fighting terminal cancer. Her hero was Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Years earlier, Buono’s dad had cut Dwayne from his football team, a moment that began Johnson’s rise to fame. When Kim’s father reached out to Wally to see if there was a way for Kim to meet Johnson, Buono immediately took action to help. Despite the challenges, she coordinated with Johnson’s team to send a personalized video message to Kim, bringing her happiness in her final days. “Granting her wish was something I’ll never forget,” Buono says. Sadly, Kim passed away three days after receiving the video.
The very next day, the Chapter Director position opened at Make-A-Wish Canada, and Buono felt as if Kim and the universe were guiding her toward an opportunity to continue spreading joy and hope to others. So, Buono applied and never looked back.
Since joining in January 2023, Buono has overseen a comprehensive rebuild of the BC & Yukon Chapter. Under her leadership, the chapter refreshed its fundraising strategies and Chapter Advisory Board, relaunched its volunteer program, expanded its outreach and awareness, and strengthened community engagement. These efforts resulted in a 250% growth, enabling the chapter to grant more wishes than ever before, with 275 expected in 2025.
With no government funding, every dollar raised comes from individuals, corporations, foundations, and community events. “We’ve built a stronger, more connected team and community of supporters,” Buono says. “But with nearly 500 children still waiting in BC & Yukon, there’s more work to do.”
Buono believes that wishes are more than just a nice thing to have; they are essential to healing. “We are redefining what it means to support sick children,” Buono explains. “Wishes are a vital part of a child’s treatment plan. Research shows that wishes reduce stress and anxiety, build resilience, and improve health outcomes for children, while providing families with strength, comfort, and a renewed sense of hope during incredibly difficult times.”
Her leadership is rooted in empathy and vision. “I lead with courage and care,” she says. “I create space for others to rise because I truly believe the winning formula always begins with the people around you.” That philosophy has turned the chapter into a movement, one that invites everyone to play a role and be part of the impact. Readers can help by volunteering, donating, attending events, or simply spreading the word. “Every act of kindness makes a real difference,” Buono says. “Together, we can bring hope and joy where it’s needed most.”
Reflecting on her journey, Buono shares one of her favorite quotes: “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.” She even has a tattoo to remind her of that transformation. And while life didn’t go precisely as Buono planned, it turned out better than she ever imagined.
