Rogers Behavioral Health recently received a very personal donation from someone who once walked through our doors seeking mental health recovery and has now returned, not as a patient, but as a symbol of resilience and deep thankfulness.
It was a sunny spring day when Abigayle arrived at the greenhouse on Rogers’ Oconomowoc campus with a smile on her face and a car overflowing with floral and herb seed pods and seedlings. Each one was carefully nestled inside a recycled toilet paper roll or Keurig K-Cup, serving as simple vessels filled with intention at their heart.
This act of compassion stemmed from the Electric Forest Wish Machine, a philanthropic program offered by the Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury, Michigan, that turns good deeds into unforgettable experiences. The concept is simple: perform extraordinary acts and reap extraordinary rewards.
In her application, Abigayle said that she would donate sprouting plants to Rogers as a symbol of growth. In turn, Electric Forest will help her find healing and celebrate her love of music with tickets to the 2025 festival.
And sure enough, Abigayle’s wish was granted.
“Reciprocity seems to be where the magic happens,” said Abigayle. “That being said, I would like to give back to the place that helped me get life flowing again and to the people who gave me a sense of authentic belonging. By donating sprouting plants in recycled materials to patients and staff at Rogers Behavioral Health, I hope to demonstrate a sustainable practice that assists nature in being a source of light for those finding their way out of the dark.”
 It’s easy to see that even if the wish wasn’t granted, Abigayle’s heart is already full. After all, each donated plant tells a tale: Milkweed symbolizes transformation, herbs are for tea to help soothe the spirit, and flowers are meant to lift heavy spirits. Some of the seedlings are meant for patients to support their own recovery journey, while others serve to nurture staff members who work for progress every day.
 Nature is not only personal for Abigayle; it’s intellectual—and it’s also a calling. She has a Master of Research in Psychology and Cognitive Science and has studied how altered states of consciousness like the ones elicited by music, movement, and nature bring us closer to the Earth—and to ourselves.
“Taking care of plants has saved my life twice,” she shares. “It reminds me that, like them, we need the right conditions to grow—love, sunlight, water, and space. And when we care for the world around us, we care for ourselves, too.”
Abigayle is working toward her PhD and has plans to start her own charity and keep advocating for the realms of science, sustainability, and soul work. But before that, she plans to enjoy a season of rest and celebration, which will involve gardening, dancing, crafting, celebrating with loved ones, and marveling at the beauty of life.
To Abigayle, thank you. Your gift is a reminder that healing doesn’t always look the same. Sometimes, it looks like a flower in bloom, a cup of tea shared, or a whisper of hope planted gently in someone’s hand. Your kindness will continue to grow in our hearts—and in the halls of Rogers.
Donations
This all wouldn’t be possible without the following companies who donated. So thank you to:
The Herbal Key ApothecaryÂ
Electric ForestÂ
Bibel’s True ValueÂ
Garden Gate Nursery and LandscapingÂ
Altered MatesÂ
