A Note from Bethany, 2017 Wish Recipient

When you donate to Make-A-Wish^® Massachusetts and Rhode Island to support the granting of life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, your generosity directly helps not just the wish kid but also their whole family. This mission is so important because the magic often has a lasting impact that goes well beyond the wish itself.

I know this because I received my wish in 2017 when I was nine. The anticipation of meeting my wish-granting volunteers, the dreaming of possibilities for my wish, and the granting of my wish all helped shift years of medical trauma for me into positive thoughts instead. My family and I were finally able to spend time planning for something happy. I chose a vacation to the Florida theme parks because I wanted an experience that would benefit all of us. During that amazing week, we were free from fear, distracted from my pain, and grateful for our time together. We reminisce about our wish trip often and it always brings smiles to our faces.

Almost a decade later, I’m still involved with Make-A-Wish in many ways. I started my own Make-A-Wish club at my school so kids my age can support wish kids. I share my story at events to help raise awareness and support for future wish kids. This year, I even ran my first-ever road race on Team Make-A-Wish. I also attend alumni Wish Community events where I love meeting other wish recipients and hearing how their wish changed their lives. All of this gives me a deeper sense of confidence and purpose and helps continue the healing for me as I face the lasting chronic side effects from my diagnosis.

I’m grateful for the community that came together to grant my wish, and the even bigger community that supports me as I remain involved with Make-A-Wish. But I want you to know that there are over 600 children in Massachusetts and Rhode Island who are struggling with critical illness just like I have and who are hoping to have a wish granted. This is why we need you!

I really hope we can count on you to make a gift to our Annual Appeal so that every eligible child can experience the hope, joy, and strength that I experienced thanks to Make-A-Wish supporters like you.

With sincere gratitude and warm holiday greetings,

Bethany Parke, Age 17
2017 Wish Recipient, Worcester County, MA

Right now, over 600 medically eligible children in our two-state community are awaiting a wish.

And—each year, nearly 500 more children in our region are diagnosed with qualifying conditions. 

The need for your financial support is urgent.

When you support wish children like Maddie with a gift through our annual appeal, you give these children and their families:

• JOY through a sense of anticipation and carefree wonder.
• HOPE that grows through the power of community and the power of possibility.
• STRENGTH to persevere with courage and resiliency during a time of intense physical and emotional hardship.

Give through Your Donor Advised Fund

Learn more and designate a gift through your Donor Advised Fund

Learn about other ways to give

Click on the links below for details (PDF files)

• Monthly Giving: Make your donation a recurring monthly donation to sustain wishes all year long. Choose the "Monthly" option when donating online or call 617.367.9474 for assistance. Read more about our Monthly WishMaker Club and its impact

• Major Gifts: Learn about our Wishing Well Society which recognizes major donors

• Estate Planning: Discover how easy it is to incorporate Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island into your estate plans

• Every single day, children in Massachusetts and Rhode Island receive the devastating diagnosis of a life-threatening illness. There are children right now in your community who need to experience a wish fulfilled, with all the positivity and hope that it brings.
   
• Wishes empower children, strengthen families, and unite communities.
   
• Research* shows that children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. You can provide children with a vital complement to their medical treatment. You can help them experience life beyond illness.
  • 95% of wish recipients said their wish improved their well-being.
  • 91% of wish parents believe the wish experience gave their child a better chance of surviving their critical illness.
  • 90% of medical providers said they have observed children increasing their compliance with treatment after learning they would receive a wish.

    *Source: Make-A-Wish 2022 Wish Impact Study (rounded figures).