KIDS WISH NETWORK, INC.
PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA

Each and every day, we are moved by the incredible stories of children nationwide who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses, the effects of poverty, abuse or homelessness. Although they come from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, all of these children share one thing: they have faced remarkable challenges in their young lives and are in desperate need of hope. David began his film making career at the age of sixteen when he wrote, directed and produced his first feature length film. He has directed and co-directed four additional movies and in addition to his fictional work he has produced and directed documentaries and training and safety videos for prestigious clients such as John Deere and Sears. David is also an accomplished composer and songwriter and has composed several original soundtracks for his films and others. David currently serves as President of Kids Wish Network’s board of directors. He frequently volunteers and personally assists Kids Wish Network with wish granting and gift-giving programs. Andrew, a retired tax accountant and former real estate agent, resides in Cooper City, Florida. He is currently working in the Broward County Education System as a substitute teacher. Andrew loves working with children and also volunteers his services, through Broward County Special Olympics coaching basketball, soccer and swimming. Andrew earned his master’s degree from the University of Florida; he holds bachelor degrees in general business from Jacksonville University and accounting from Florida Atlantic University. Andrew has been a long supported Kids Wish Network through the generosity of his Family Foundation, the Arnold and Joy Gottlieb Family Foundation and in 2008 he joined Kids Wish Network’s board of directors. That experience had a profound impact on Jim and served as the motivation for Jim to pledge to assist Kid’s Wish Network in carrying out their mission following Melissa’s death. In 2008, he decided he wanted to do something to help other families going through similar situations. The result was the birth of the Melissa Mai Memorial Golf Scramble. To date, the event has raised thousands of dollars Kid’s Wish Network. Inaugural Class of Partners in Policymaking John G. Bruns is the COO and Vice President of Advocate Consulting Group, Inc. (Benefit Firm), Advocate Risk Management, Inc. (P&C Firm) and Client Payroll Services, LLC. (Payroll, HR, and Background Firm). John is an accomplished benefits professional with over 33 years experience in employee benefits consulting. In today’s volatile marketplace, John has always taken continuous education classes not only to stay current in today’s market, but also to stay on top of the ever increasingly challenging future in group healthcare. His expertise is in ACA/Healthcare Reform dealing with group medical, dental, disability, and life insurance products. His expertise includes self-funded benefits, fully funded and managed care programs and he is skilled at negotiating favorable rates and terms on behalf of his clients. His experience includes working with clients of all sizes ranging from small private employers to large public employers. John prides himself with having a “hands-on” approach when solving healthcare issues and by proactively providing a wide range of value-added services to his clients at no additional cost. John sits on several Medical Carriers Broker Advisory Boards giving insight and input from the employers’ perspectives ranging from plan designs to customer service issues and network development. John earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration at Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, Florida after serving in the United States Navy. He went on to Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida to play basketball on a full scholarship. He is past Vice-President and was on the Board of Directors for many years for the local Chapter, Tampa Bay Association of Health Underwriters. He is an active member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and has coached children of all ages in team sports for over 25 years. John resides in Tampa, Florida with his wife Susan of 36 years. They enjoy raising their grandson Kaleb, from their son Jason. Their daughter Katelyn graduated from Florida State University with her Masters. For 20 years, Kids Wish Network has touched the lives of thousands of kids with the Magic of a Wish come true. While coping with a family member’s battle against cancer, our founders witnessed firsthand the trauma pediatric cancer patients and their family’s undergo during those painful and debilitating treatments. It was then, gathered around the kitchen table during a conversation about the struggles these families face that Kids Wish Network was born and our first wish was granted. As we worked with doctors and hospitals involved in the lives of our Wish Kids, we saw other young patients struggling with life-altering situations. Recognizing that their need for relief from hospital stays, doctor visits, and painful medical treatments were not being met by any other organization we expanded our mission to include additional key programs: Kids Wish Network has been easing the pain and suffering of kids for several years. We feel extremely fortunate that we have been able to receive countless testimonials and thank you letters throughout the years from health professionals, child advocates, families, and even sponsors. Their kind words are the best gifts we can receive. Please take a moment and read a few of them. We hope they touch your hearts as much as they have touched ours. Our Hero of the Month program has made many wonderful differences in the lives of children who have suffered through life-altering circumstances nationwide. Here, you can read how this program helps these children from the testimonials of the child care specialists who witness these miracles every month. Being honored as a “Hero of the Month” helps make difficult situations better for plenty of kids across the nation. For a glimpse into the joy that this program brings to these children, you can read the thanks we’ve received from the families of “Hero” kids and even some “Hero” kids themselves.