Liz Johnson’s life is a testament to resilience, compassion, and a deep-seated desire to help others. At 45 years old, Liz has already lived through more challenges than most face in a lifetime, yet she’s transformed her pain into a source of hope for others. As a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and founder of Bucket Wish Connection, Liz has made it her mission to grant the wishes of others, especially those facing hardships, while navigating her own personal journey. Recently awarded the SITI Girl Honors Pittsburgh Dream Queen Visionary Award, Liz continues to spread positivity through her business, while dreaming of an even bigger impact.
From Personal Heartache to Community Healing
Bucket Wish Connection was born out of Liz’s personal struggles, particularly the strained relationship with her 21-year-old son, who is on the autism spectrum. After his high school graduation, Liz found herself unexpectedly estranged from him. This heartbreaking separation led to a period of deep grief and self-reflection. One night, in the depths of her sorrow, she turned to her bucket list—a list of dreams and goals she had for herself and her family. It was this act of looking back at her own wishes that sparked the idea for what would become Bucket Wish Connection.
“I realized that there were so many people out there, just like me, who have unfulfilled dreams or needs that they don’t think they can achieve, either because of financial constraints or because they don’t have the support they need,” Liz shared. “Bucket Wish Connection is about making those dreams come true for people who deserve a little joy in their lives and don’t we all.”
The Birth of Bucket Wish Connection
Bucket Wish Connection, which launched in April of this year, is a business dedicated to granting bucket list wishes and dreams for individuals in need or just have hope for a brighter tomorrow. Whether it’s a tangible item, small dream or a life-altering experience, Liz’s goal is to create moments of joy and fulfillment for others. Afterall one’s true happiness comes from helping others I believe. Since its inception, Bucket Wish Connection has already granted five wishes, with more in the works. While the organization is still in its early stages, Liz’s vision is nothing short of global.
“I want Bucket Wish Connection to become a household name, where people know they can turn to us to help make their dreams a reality, no matter how big or small. There are so many people in this world who want to help others, and I believe in connecting them with those who have unfulfilled wishes,” Liz explained.
A Special Vision for Autism
Beyond Bucket Wish Connection, Liz has long dreamed of creating a unique housing community for individuals on the autism spectrum. Inspired by her son’s needs, she envisioned a gated community made up of tiny homes, designed specifically for people with autism and each house would become a home because it would be tailored to what that individual can and cannot have in their home. These homes would provide independence while also offering the support and care that individuals may need to thrive. With a grocery store and employment opportunities tailored to the residents, this community would ensure that individuals with autism could live fulfilling lives in a safe, supportive environment.
Although Liz hasn’t been able to bring this dream to life just yet, it remains on her personal bucket list, and she hopes to one day make it a reality. “It’s something I still feel strongly about, and I’m always looking for ways to connect with builders or organizations that could help make it happen.”
Moving Forward with Hope
Despite the challenges of running a business without significant financial backing, Liz is determined to keep growing Bucket Wish Connection. While she has big plans for the future, she’s taking each step as it comes, focusing on making a difference in the lives of others. From helping individuals fulfill their bucket lists, needs and dreams to navigating her own personal journey, Liz is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one person can have on a community.
Liz’s faith has been a constant source of strength throughout her journey. “I believe that God has a plan for all of us, and even though I don’t understand everything that’s happened in my life, I trust that I’m on the right path,” she said. It’s this faith that continues to fuel her work, allowing her to turn her personal pain into a source of joy for others.
What’s Next for Bucket Wish Connection?
As Bucket Wish Connection continues to grow, Liz is always looking for volunteers and partners to help her expand the business’s’s reach. Whether it’s individuals who want to assist with wish-granting or companies looking to offer resources, there are many ways to get involved. Liz also hopes to establish Bucket Wish Connection as a formal nonprofit in the near future, which will open up more opportunities for funding and collaboration.
Liz is also a strong advocate for the autism community and has been since 2007 and encourages anyone with a passion for making a difference to connect with her. She hopes that one day, her vision for autism-friendly tiny house communities will come to life, providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals inspired by her son.
Liz’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the belief that no dream is too big. Whether it’s through granting wishes or building a legacy of support for the autism community, Liz is determined to make the world a better place, one wish, one bucket list at a time.
For more information about Bucket Wish Connection or to get involved, visit https://bucketwishconnection.com/, email bucketwishconnection@gmail.com or reach out via social media. Together, we can help make dreams come true and spread joy to all locally and globally.
