Joanna Favia has spent more than 15 years in nursing focusing on the care of children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). She began her career in inpatient settings, where she provided direct care to SMA patients.  

Spinal muscular atrophy is part of a group of rare, progressive genetic neuromuscular disorders which cause muscle weakness and progressive muscle wasting. It is one of the more than 150 medical conditions that would qualify a child for Make-A-Wish.

Now a clinic coordinator at Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge, Joanna works in an outpatient setting, coordinating long-term care for these patients and their families. A crucial part of her role involves referring patients to Make-A-Wish, which provides transformative experiences for children with critical illnesses like those she serves.  

Joanna has seen how these wishes positively impact children's health and emotional well-being, offering them a much-needed respite from their daily medical routines. 

Supporting patients and their families, Make-A-Wish can provide an experience for SMA patients they would never dream of having, according to Joanna. Some of the patients require plenty of medical help and assistance, especially with their equipment, which is handled and taken care of by Make-A-Wish so families can concentrate on finding joy through their wish.