For GiGi: Nurse’s Daughter Inspires Team Trinity’s Wish-A-Mile Journey

This weekend (July 25-27), more than a thousand cyclists will take an ambitious 300-mile journey through West Michigan as part of the Wish-A-Mile (WAM) Bicycle Tour, the largest fundraising event for Make-A-Wish Michigan. Among them will be Team Trinity, a long-standing and passionate group of cyclists representing Trinity Health. 

This year’s tour holds an even deeper meaning. Team Trinity’s Wish Hero is 6-year-old Gianna “GiGi” Wheaton, daughter of Gina Wheaton, an Emergency Department nurse at Trinity Health Livonia.

GiGi was diagnosed with a central nervous system tumor shortly after beginning kindergarten. She and her mother spent extended time at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during treatment. While the journey has been unimaginably difficult, Gina credits her Trinity Health family, especially her colleagues in the ED and at the Cancer Infusion Center, for providing unwavering support and encouragement every step of the way.

“When GiGi got sick, everyone just showed up in unexpected ways,” said Gina. “They wrapped us in a community of care — sending thoughtful gifts, homemade cards and letters, offering constant encouragement, and simply being there when it mattered most. Cody Husemann, a colleague I’ve been fortunate to work with in many capacities — first as my manager, and always as a mentor and friend — was one of the first to support us. She introduced me to Team Trinity and helped make this connection possible. Seeing GiGi honored as this year’s Wish Hero brings it all full circle.”

Team Trinity has raised over $1 million through WAM over the years, funding life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses. The team was founded and has been led since 2012 by Rob Casalou, president and CEO of Trinity Health Michigan and Southeast Regions.

“This year’s ride is even more meaningful because we’re cycling for one of our own,” said Casalou. “GiGi is just a beautiful little kid with a big smile and courageous heart. We are thrilled to have her mom and several of her friends join the tour with us.”

GiGi will be there at the finish line to cheer on Team Trinity and help present medals to the cyclists. “She knows I’ve been training for the ride,” Gina said. “And I think being there surrounded by all that energy and support will be an unforgettable experience for both of us.”

As for GiGi’s wish? She’ll be heading to Hawaii next spring to swim with dolphins and stay at Disney’s Aulani Resort. “She’s always loved Moana, volcanoes, and the ocean,” Gina shared. “She picked experiences like a traditional luau, snorkeling, and even designing her own Mickey ears. She’s very artistic, so she’s super excited about that.”

For the Wheaton family, Team Trinity’s support is about more than just fundraising. It’s a powerful example of community in action.

“It’s easy to feel isolated when your child is facing something like this,” said Gina. “But Trinity has shown us what it means to stand together. When adults unite to ride for kids going through what GiGi has — chemo, radiation, surgeries — it’s a reminder that people really do care. And that gives families like mine the strength to keep going.”

Visit Team Trinity to learn more about its history, fundraising milestones, and how they are making wishes come true for seriously ill children.

Casalou will be journaling the team’s experiences during the ride. You can follow their progress on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TrinityHealthMI) from July 25 to 27.

Team Trinity Roster

Lee Benjamin
Carolinne Bradley
Rob Casalou
Glenn Cerny
Rich Chaperon
Jim Danahy
Dylan England
Kathleen England
Jodi Galdes
Katie Gravenstreter
Andrew Griffin
Matt Griffin
Emily Haller
Jeff Hamilton
Cody Husemann
Michael Kasotakis
Anu Malani
Dean Mengel
Dennis Murray
Declan O’Hare
Russ Olmsted
Dan Phelps
Zachary Siefker
Jack Sylvestre
Gina Wheaton
Nicole Yoder
Michelle Zych
Timothy Zych