Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana And Bristol Myers Squibb Grant Olivia’s Wish
PHOENIX (August 31, 2022) – Bristol Myers Squibb has donated nearly $5 million in collaboration with Make-A-Wish®, a commitment that translates to life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Since 2017, Bristol Myers Squibb's generous charitable contributions have enabled hundreds of wish kids like Olivia, a 5-year-old with leukemia, to experience wishes that deliver hope when it’s needed most.
Olivia’s wish for an above-ground pool was granted in August, and to celebrate, she had a Barbie pool party!
“A wish can be a turning point in the treatment and recovery of children with critical illnesses, and a much-needed source of hope and joy for their entire family,” said Stephanie McCormick, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana. “We are grateful for the relationship with Bristol Myers Squibb that understands the impact a diagnosis can have on families. Their support helps us continue to empower children to reclaim their childhood through the power of a wish.”
Make-A-Wish just released eye-opening results of a study about the impact of wishes on mental and emotional well-being for children facing trauma stemming from a critical illness. The study showed that 9 out of 10 wish parents and wish alumni believe the wish experience provided relief from traumatic stress. In addition, the majority of medical professionals agreed that a wish increases a child's compliance with care and can improve a child’s chance for survival. The results add to the growing research demonstrating how wish-fulfillment can be essential to a child’s medical outcomes.
“Bristol Myers Squibb is proud to once again support Make-A-Wish and their mission to grant life-changing wishes that provide hope to pediatric patients and their families.”, said Lee James, Vice President, U.S. Medical Oncology, Bristol Myers Squibb.
Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana has granted more than 19,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses since the chapter’s founding in 1983. There is still a great need for support to grant the wishes that are waiting. To learn more and find out how to get involved, visit www.oki.wish.org.