What began as a wish has grown into a mission for local college senior Conor Amendola of Erie, who has launched his annual Wish Your Way campaign benefiting Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Amendola’s goal is to raise $15,000 this year to help fund three wishes in honor of his 22nd birthday, bringing his lifetime fundraising total to more than $100,000. As of Monday, he’s raised 63% of that annual goal.
Amendola was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, in 2011. While there is no cure, the illness is treatable, and he continues to receive care from physicians in Erie and Pittsburgh. His family credits his gastroenterologist, Dr. Dale King, with helping him manage the condition effectively.
In 2015, Amendola’s former physician at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh nominated him for a wish through Make-A-Wish. Though his family initially believed the organization served only children with terminal illnesses, they soon learned Make-A-Wish grants wishes for children with critical illnesses, offering hope and joy during difficult times.
In April 2016, Amendola’s wish came true — an afternoon in New York City with his favorite late-night talk show host, Jimmy Fallon. The experience had a profound impact on his outlook and inspired a promise to give back.
That commitment began years earlier. At age 9, Amendola transformed his birthday parties into pay-it-forward events, raising funds and collecting gifts for local organizations. His early efforts supported the Barber National Institute, AHN Saint Vincent Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Over the past 10 years, Amendola, with help from family and friends, has raised more than $96,000 for Make-A-Wish, helping grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses. His generosity has been recognized by WJET-TV, Kohl’s Cares and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northwest Pennsylvania Chapter, which named him Outstanding Young Philanthropist in 2016.
Now 21, Amendola is launching his 2025 campaign with the goal of helping more children experience the joy and hope a wish can bring.
“Make-A-Wish gave me something I’ll never forget — hope,” Amendola said. “That day changed how I saw my illness and my future. Every wish is a reminder that joy and strength can exist even in hard times. I’ve been fortunate to help many kids feel that same hope, and I’d love for others to join me this year so even more children can experience that life-changing wish.”
As part of the 2025 Wish Your Way campaign, the community is invited to Amendola’s annual guest bartending event benefiting Make-A-Wish on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Room 33 in downtown Erie. All proceeds will support Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia in granting wishes for local children with critical illnesses.
To read Amendola’s story and donate online, visit site.wish.org/goto/conor.
