Our Stories
Make-A-Wish traces its inspiration to Chris Greicius, a child with leukemia who wished to be a police officer. In 1980, a community came together and made his wish come true. The impact of his wish was felt throughout his community and was the inspiration for what is now Make-A-Wish. Today, it is our vision at Make-A-Wish to develop the resources to grant the wish of every eligible child.
Wishes can change the odds for children fighting their illness. A wish helps kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety and entire communities experience joy. Most importantly, wishes can improve a child’s quality of life. Experience the power of imagination and the strength that comes from it. At Make-A-Wish, life-changing wishes start with you.
Our Wish Kids
A wish come true helps children feel stronger, more energetic, more willing and able to battle their critical illnesses. For many, the wish marks a turning point in the fight against their illnesses. Doctors, nurses and other health professionals say the wish experience works in concert with medicine to make their patients feel better emotionally and even physically. That is why wishes matter. That is why we grant wishes. Experience the stories of those who know firsthand the power of hope and transformation.
#HighFiveIsaiah - Basketball Wish Brings Newfound Confidence
Claire’s Wish Creates a Turning Point and Restores Hope for Brighter Days Ahead
Johnny’s Law Enforcement Wish Commands a Bright Future
Lynetta’s Wish Marks a Turning Point that Restored Her Hope for Brighter Days Ahead
Dayonie’s Wish is a Constant Source of Joy and Togetherness for the Entire Family
Amelia’s Wish Helps Create a Turning Point in Her Treatment Journey
Wishes come true because of caring actions. Contributions of time, talent and money allow us to transform lives, one wish at a time. Wishes come true because of the caring actions of volunteers, donors, medical professionals and communities who come together for one purpose: To create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Make-A-Wish appreciates every donor, regardless of the amount they contribute. We also recognize those whose gifts make an extraordinary number of wishes come true.
Read about a few of our donors, why they are so committed to helping grant wishes and the impact they are having on our mission.
Ned and Suzie Allen
In honor of their grandson, Ned and Suzie Allen are transforming tragedy into hope for wish kids.
Jeff Ikler
Jeff has dedicated his life to helping others and leaving a lasting gift of hope for future wish kids.
Million Dollar Round Table
Make-A-Wish is able to fulfill its mission because of its volunteers. Each year, nearly 40,000 volunteers contribute to our mission of granting wishes. Read how people just like you create a lasting impact on wish kids and families.
Abe Savage
Dana Miller
I got involved with Make-A-Wish after my brother’s wish to meet Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs was granted in May 2001.
Jim and Kathy Donovan
For Jim and Kathy, there is nothing more powerful than seeing the results of their wish-granting efforts.
Barbara
A wish not only transforms the lives of children and their families, it has an everlasting effect on wish granters.
Darcy Fiero
As a stay-at-home mom, Darcy took countless photos of her daughters, which resulted in a deep love for photography.
The dedicated medical professionals that refer their patients to Make-A-Wish play a critical role in our wish process. By referring a child, they help us get closer to achieving our vision of granting every eligible child's wish. Read about the medical professionals that have impacted the lives of wish children and the Make-A-Wish mission.
