For a child battling a critical illness, the world can often seem to be full of “no’s.” Challenging diagnoses, hospital stays, treatment schedules, and recovery times can all negatively impact the life of a wish kid and their family, limiting daily activities and making opportunities for positivity and joy few and far between.
So, in Fiscal Year 2025, we here at Make-A-Wish OKI decided to renew our focus on saying “Yes!” to wishes and the hope, strength, and joy they provide.
After all, saying “Yes!” is at the heart of everything we do. When a child tells us their heartfelt wish, we say “Yes!”... whether it’s a trip to the mall or a trip of a lifetime. We’ve seen the power of that word firsthand, and the potential it has to bring communities together, unlock a new outlook on life, and even contribute to positive medical outcomes.
We’ve asked our staff and boards to lean in and say “Yes!” to new ideas, better processes and big goals. We’re asking our trusted volunteers to say “Yes!” to help us grant that next wish, and the one after. We’re inviting our wish families to say “Yes!” by joining our Wish Family Alumni network and staying connected with our growing community long after their own wish has been granted. And of course, we’re asking our donors to say “Yes!” and continue supporting our mission through their generous financial and in-kind support.
Each of us has a different way we can say “Yes!” Whether you’re a donor, volunteer, wish family, or board member, we invite you to consider the ways in which you can embody that positivity as you join us in our mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Thank you for all that you do.
Click on each image below to learn about some of our inspiring wish kids and the incredible people, businesses, and organizations who said “Yes!” and helped make life-changing wishes come true.
Matthew's Heart Builders
Wish kid Matthew used his wish to bring building toys to kids at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
School and Youth Fundraisers
From elementary school Penny Wars to Chi Omega galas, schools throughout our community help grant wishes.
Wish Family Alumni Program
Wish Family Alumni program creates connection and community amongst wish families across our chapter.
Maurice's wish takes flight
Maurice’s wish to be a pilot was granted with the help of corporate supporters across the chapter.
The legacy of a wish
This year, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of Natalia’s wish to give care to those in need.
Transformational gift
In the lab, Dr. Elaine Mardis is working tirelessly to change children’s futures.
