WishMakers of Wisconsin host Skating with Santa to benefit Make-A-Wish Wisconsin

HARTLAND, Wis (CBS58) -- This year, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin celebrates its 40th birthday. The organization says they hope to grant more wishes for kids than ever before.

To help achieve that, on Sunday, Dec. 15, Wish Makers of Wisconsin hosted their annual Skating with Santa.

For the fourth year, Skating with Santa is making kids' dreams come true for kids with critical illnesses.

"We've raised over $100,000 through this event, granted a lot of wishes and we have a lot of wishes left to grant," said Allie Jorgensen, Incoming Chair of WishMakers of Wisconsin.

For Ruby Herrera and her son Iram, Make-A-Wish has been by their side for the past six years.

"He has conjugative heart disease, which affects him in various ways. has had two open-heart surgeries," said Herrera.

She says events like this remind them of when their wish was granted.

"It was actually the best day ever. I went to Disney I saw all the characters, Micky Mouse, Minnie Mouse," said Iram Herrera, Make-A-Wish recipient.

Herrera says Iram was only five years old when he got his wish.

"It really meant a lot to him. I would say it changed his life, it made him more confident," said Herrera.

Now, Iram is working to make other kids' wishes come true.

"He actually wanted to do something in exchange, he would earn money so he asked friends and family if they could donate, his main goal was $200 but closed out with $350," Herrera explained.

The Chair of WishMakers of Wisconsin says granting a wish usually costs around five to eight thousand dollars.

"We are trying to raise about 40-50 thousand dollars at this event. If we meet our goal, we can grant 3-5 wishes," said Jorgensen.

Now, twelve-years-old, Ruby says Iram is doing better than ever, but many kids continue to fight every day.

"A lot of kids live in the hospital it's part of their routine. I wish every kid who is on that wish list has their wish granted," said Herrera.