Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about a life that you wish you had? Maybe it’s a cozy cabin in the mountains, waking up to breathtaking views and enjoying some peace and quiet. Or perhaps it’s traveling the world, experiencing different cultures, and indulging in your passion for food. Whatever it may be, we’ve all had moments where we wished for something that seemed out of reach.
Making a wish is one of the simplest yet most powerful things we can do. It allows us to tap into our deepest desires and recognize the things that truly matter to us. It gives us something to strive for and helps us stay motivated as we work towards our goals. Whether it’s a career change, starting a family, or pursuing a lifelong dream, making a wish is the first step towards turning it into a reality.
So, what’s the secret behind making a wish? It all comes down to our mindset. When we focus on what we want instead of what we don’t have, we attract positive energy and opportunities into our lives. We set the intention and visualize ourselves achieving our goals, which not only helps us stay motivated but also increases our chances of success. So go ahead, make a wish. Dream big, believe in yourself, and watch as life unfolds in ways you never thought possible.
History of Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization that originated in Phoenix, Arizona in 1980. The organization was founded by a group of caring individuals who wanted to fulfill the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
The inspiration for the Make-A-Wish Foundation came from the story of a young boy named Chris Greicius. Chris was diagnosed with leukemia and his wish was to become a police officer. Through the generosity of the Arizona Department of Public Safety and a local community, Chris’s wish was granted. He was made an honorary police officer and spent an unforgettable day with the officers.
Chris’s wish and the positive impact it had on his life inspired the founding of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The organization’s mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, joy, and strength. Since its inception, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted over 450,000 wishes to children in over 50 countries around the world.
Key Milestones of the Make-A-Wish Foundation
- 1980 – The Make-A-Wish Foundation is founded in Phoenix, Arizona.
- 1983 – The first international Make-A-Wish Foundation is established in Australia.
- 1992 – The organization grants its 25,000th wish.
- 2006 – The Make-A-Wish Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary.
- 2010 – The organization grants its 200,000th wish.
- 2015 – The Make-A-Wish Foundation celebrates its 35th anniversary.
- 2019 – The organization grants its 500,000th wish.
The Impact of the Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation has a profound impact on the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions, their families, and their communities. Research has shown that wish experiences improve the quality of life for children and can provide them with a renewed sense of hope and strength during a difficult time.
Wish experiences are also beneficial for the families of wish children, providing a respite from the stress and anxiety that comes with caring for a child with a life-threatening illness.
The Future of the Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation will continue to strive to fulfill the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The organization is committed to expanding its programs to reach more children in more communities around the world. With the help of volunteers, donors, and supporters, the Make-A-Wish Foundation will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of wish children and their families.
| Wish Facts | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Number of Wishes Granted | Over 450,000 |
| Number of Countries with Make-A-Wish Affiliates | Over 50 |
| Number of Volunteers Worldwide | More than 40,000 |
| Amount of Money Raised Annually | Over $300 million |
The Make-A-Wish Foundation will continue to fulfill the wishes of deserving children around the globe, offering hope, strength, and joy to those who need it most.
Mission and Vision of Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in the United States that focuses on fulfilling the wishes of children who are experiencing a critical illness. Their mission and vision statement detail what their organization stands for and what they aim to achieve through their work.
The Mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation
- The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.
- They are committed to providing every eligible child the opportunity to have their wish granted.
- The foundation believes that a wish provides children with hope and motivation to face their illnesses, and they strive to create an experience for the children and their families that is both memorable and impactful.
The Vision of the Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s vision is to make every child’s wish come true. They aim to create a world where every eligible child’s wish is granted, providing them with the hope, strength, and joy needed to face their illness.
The Core Values of the Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation operates on a set of core values that they consider to be essential in achieving their mission and vision. Their core values include:
| Core Value | Description |
|---|---|
| We focus on the child | The Make-A-Wish Foundation puts the children they serve at the center of everything they do. |
| We create life-changing wishes | The foundation believes that wishes have the power to impact a child’s outlook and provide them with the strength to battle their illness. |
| We are stronger together | The Make-A-Wish Foundation works with donors, volunteers, and medical professionals to create a network of support around the children they serve. |
| We are accountable | The foundation ensures transparency in their operations and is accountable in their use of resources. |
The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s mission and vision, along with their core values, guide their work, ensuring that they are making a significant impact on the lives of children around the world.
How Make-A-Wish Foundation works
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is an organization that fulfills wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Here is how the foundation works:
- Referrals: The first step in fulfilling a child’s wish is a referral. Anyone, including parents, medical professionals, or the child’s family members, can refer the child to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- Eligibility: After receiving a referral, the foundation evaluates the child’s medical condition to determine eligibility. The child must be diagnosed with a critical medical condition and be between the ages of 2.5 and 18 years old.
- Wish granting: Once the child is deemed eligible, a trained Make-A-Wish volunteer meets with the child and their family to learn about their interests and the child’s one true wish. The volunteer then works with the foundation to plan and grant the wish.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes in multiple categories, including travel, meeting celebrities, receiving gifts, and more. The foundation relies on donations and volunteers to make these wishes a reality for the children and their families.
Here is a breakdown of some of the statistics on the work that the Make-A-Wish Foundation is doing:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Wishes granted since 1980 | more than 315,000 |
| Number of volunteers | more than 30,000 |
| Annual revenue | $350 million |
| Average wish cost | $10,000 |
The Make-A-Wish Foundation creates life-changing experiences that bring hope and joy to children with critical medical conditions and their families. They work tirelessly to make each wish a reality, relying on their network of volunteers and donors to make it happen.
Impact of Make-A-Wish Foundation on children with critical illnesses
Being diagnosed with a critical illness as a child can be a devastating experience for both the individual and their families. Along with the physical, mental, and emotional challenges, these children also often miss out on typical childhood experiences such as playing with friends and going on adventures. That’s where the Make-A-Wish Foundation steps in, aiming to bring hope, joy, and happiness back into the lives of these brave children.
- 1. Emotional support: Make-A-Wish is not just about fulfilling wishes – it is an organization that provides emotional support to children and families facing critical illnesses. The foundation’s volunteers and staff are trained to help these individuals through their difficult journey, providing a shoulder to lean on and someone to confide in. The emotional support that Make-A-Wish provides can have a lasting positive impact on a child’s wellbeing, even after their wish has been fulfilled.
- 2. Creating unforgettable memories: The wishes that Make-A-Wish grants for children with critical illnesses create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. These wishes are tailored to each individual child, with the aim of giving them an experience that brings joy and excitement into their life. For some, this may be a day at a theme park, while for others it may be a trip to meet their favorite celebrity. These experiences not only bring happiness and excitement to the child, but also to their families who get to see their child enjoying life.
- 3. Improving health outcomes: Studies have shown that when children with critical illnesses are granted their wish through Make-A-Wish, it can have a positive impact on their health outcomes. The anticipation and excitement of a wish can boost a child’s overall wellbeing, help them cope through treatments, and give them a renewed sense of energy and positivity.
Make-A-Wish Foundation has made a difference to the lives of countless children with critical illnesses around the world, bringing a ray of light in the midst of darkness. Through their work, they remind these children and their families that they are not alone in their struggles and that hope and happiness can still be found, even in the toughest of times.
Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Impact: A Table
| Impact area | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Wishes granted worldwide | More than 500,000 |
| Wishes granted in the US every year | More than 15,000 |
| Wishes granted for children with critical illnesses in 2020 | More than 6,000 |
| Volunteers worldwide | More than 45,000 |
| Average joy rating of children’s wishes | 96% |
The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s impact on the lives of children with critical illnesses is immeasurable. The emotional support, unforgettable experiences, and positive impact on health outcomes all make a difference in creating a better life for these children and their families. Their efforts have brought hope, joy, and happiness, making a significant difference in the fight against critical illnesses.
How Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes
Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Each year, thousands of children benefit from their services, which are brought to fruition through the hard work of volunteers, donors, and staff. Here is how the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes:
- Referral: Wishes are initiated when someone identifies a child with a life-threatening medical condition. This can be a family member, doctor, or child
- Wish granting: Once the child is referred, they are asked to make a wish. This can be anything they want within the Foundation’s guidelines.
- Fulfillment: After a wish is submitted, the Make-A-Wish Foundation works with the child and their family to bring it to fruition. This can require contacting vendors, coordinating travel arrangements, and enlisting volunteers to make the experience as special as possible.
Make-A-Wish Foundation has a dedicated team of professionals who work to ensure that wishes are granted while keeping the child’s best interests in mind. The foundation has guidelines to ensure that all wishes are respectful, appropriate, and safe.
Here is a breakdown of how the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | A child, or someone on behalf of the child, refers them to Make-A-Wish Foundation |
| 2 | The child makes a wish |
| 3 | The wish is reviewed to ensure it can be granted within the Foundation’s guidelines |
| 4 | The Foundation’s staff determines the best approach to granting the wish |
| 5 | The Foundation coordinates the wish with vendors, volunteers, and donors. This includes any travel arrangements and safety precautions necessary for the child’s well-being |
| 6 | The wish is granted and the child has a memorable experience |
Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes as a way of bringing joy and hope to children facing life-threatening medical conditions. Their dedication and commitment are a testament to the power of generosity and the human spirit.
Types of wishes granted by Make-A-Wish Foundation
Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. For these children, receiving a wish can provide a much-needed break from their routine of hospital visits, treatments, and medical appointments. The foundation grants a variety of wishes, from travel to meet their favorite celebrities, to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, to receiving gifts of their choice.
Out of all the wishes granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the six most frequently requested types of wishes are:
- Travel wishes
- Celebrity wishes
- Toy and gift wishes
- Room Makeover wishes
- Meeting Athlete wishes
- Entertainment wishes
1. Travel wishes: Many children dream of traveling to exotic locations, and Make-A-Wish makes those dreams come true. Children can choose to go anywhere in the world, including locations like Disney World or Hawaii. The foundation provides airfare, lodging, and meals, as well as spending money for the family.
2. Celebrity wishes: Meeting a celebrity or attending a celebrity event is a dream come true for many children. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted thousands of celebrity wishes over the years, ranging from meeting Justin Bieber to attending the MTV Video Music Awards.
3. Toy and gift wishes: Some children ask for gifts or toys of their choice. Make-A-Wish has granted unique toy wishes, like a personalized Power Wheels Jeep or a custom-made playhouse. This type of wish allows children to have something to look forward to and helps them get through difficult times.
4. Room Makeover wishes: Some children wish for their own personal “happy space” where they can escape from the stresses of their illness. Make-A-Wish grants room makeover wishes that transform bedrooms into magical spaces, complete with themes, decorations, and new furniture.
5. Meeting Athlete wishes: For sports-loving children, meeting their favorite athlete can be a dream come true. Through Make-A-Wish, children have met athletes like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Derek Jeter.
6. Entertainment wishes: Some children wish for an unforgettable entertainment experience. Make-A-Wish has granted wishes to attend concerts, see movies before they are released, and even take a ride on the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
Making children happy during tough times is the ultimate goal of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Each wish that is granted provides a lifeline of hope and happiness to the children and their families. It’s not just a wish — it’s a life-changing experience that can make all the difference in the world.
How Make-A-Wish Foundation is funded
Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization that grants “wishes” to children with life-threatening illnesses. The organization exists solely because of the generosity of individuals and organizations who donate money, time, and resources to make these wishes come true. Here are the ways in which the Make-A-Wish Foundation is funded:
- Individual Donations: The majority of funding that the foundation receives is from individual donations. People from all walks of life give what they can to help make a child’s wish come true. This includes donations made online, by mail, or at fundraising events.
- Corporate Donations: Many corporations support the Make-A-Wish Foundation financially, through cause-related marketing campaigns, company-wide employee giving, and events like golf tournaments or charity auctions hosted by the corporation.
- Special Events: Make-A-Wish Foundation events like Walk For Wishes and Wish Ball are held throughout the year to raise funds for wish granting. These events provide sponsors and participants with an opportunity to support the cause while having fun and building community.
In addition to these fundraising methods, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has a number of partnerships with organizations that support the foundation financially:
- Wishmakers on Campus: This program involves college students who fundraise and plan events to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- Make-A-Wish Kids for Wish Kids: This program empowers children to help other children by raising money to grant wishes.
- The Walt Disney Company: Make-A-Wish Foundation has had a long-standing relationship with Disney, which provides both financial and in-kind support.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation also carefully manages its finances, with the vast majority of funds raised going directly to wish granting. In fact, the organization exceeds the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance’s standard of spending at least 65% of its total expenses on programs that support the mission of the organization.
| Revenue Source | % of Budget |
|---|---|
| Individual Donations | 70% |
| Corporate Contributions | 18% |
| Special Events | 7% |
| Other Gifts and Grants | 5% |
With the help of its donors, partners, and volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted over 500,000 wishes worldwide since its inception in 1980, bringing hope, joy, and strength to children and their families during their most difficult times.
Partnerships of Make-A-Wish Foundation with other organizations
One of the reasons why Make-A-Wish Foundation has been able to grant wishes to so many children with critical illnesses is because of its strong partnerships with other organizations. These collaborations have helped the foundation in various ways, such as raising awareness, funds, and other forms of support.
- The Walt Disney Company – Make-A-Wish Foundation and Disney have been partners for more than three decades. Disney has donated millions of dollars to the foundation, and they have also worked together to create unforgettable experiences for wish kids. For example, Disney has opened up its parks and resorts to wish kids, allowing them to meet their favorite characters and experience the magic of Disney.
- ESPN – ESPN has been a supporter of Make-A-Wish Foundation since 1986. The sports network has helped to raise funds and awareness through its annual “My Wish” series, which shares the stories of wish kids and their sports heroes. ESPN has also hosted wish kids at its studios, giving them the opportunity to meet their favorite athletes and personalities.
- Delta Air Lines – Delta Air Lines is the official airline of Make-A-Wish Foundation. The airline provides free flights for wish kids and their families, helping them to reach their destinations safely and comfortably. Delta also provides fundraising support, in-kind donations, and volunteerism to the foundation.
Aside from these big partners, Make-A-Wish Foundation also teams up with other organizations, companies, and individuals who share the same vision. Some of these collaborations involve cause marketing campaigns, corporate giving programs, and employee engagement initiatives.
Make-A-Wish Foundation understands that it cannot grant wishes alone. By joining forces with other organizations, it is able to expand its reach and provide even more life-changing experiences for wish kids and their families.
| Partner | Contribution |
|---|---|
| The Make-A-Wish Kids Fashion Show | Raised more than $320,000 for Make-A-Wish kids |
| World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) | WWE Superstars grant wishes and provide tickets to live events |
| Batman-Themed Holiday Lights Display | Raised $19,000 for Make-A-Wish |
These are just some of the many partnerships that Make-A-Wish Foundation has established over the years. With the help of these organizations, the foundation can continue to bring hope, joy, and strength to children with critical illnesses.
Success Stories of Make-A-Wish Foundation
Since its establishment, Make-A-Wish Foundation has fulfilled the wishes of countless children who are battling critical illnesses. These wishes are more than just materialistic wants. These are the aspirations of these children who, because of their illnesses, have had to stop dreaming of their futures. Make-A-Wish foundation, with the help of caring donors and volunteers, has been able to make these dreams come true. Underneath are some of the heartwarming success stories:
- Autumn Wendel: Autumn, a nine-year-old girl, was diagnosed with a severe brain tumor. Her wish was to visit Hawaii, but due to medical reasons, it was not safe for her to travel. Instead, Make-A-Wish Foundation transformed her backyard into a Hawaiian paradise, complete with palm trees, a sandy beach, and a water play area. Autumn and her family were grateful for the experience, and it was an unforgettable memory.
- Batman Sam: Sam, a young boy from California, wished to become Batman. Make-A-Wish Foundation made his dream a reality. The organization brought together local businesses, the police department, and fire departments to assist with the transformation. Sam spent the day in his batman suit stopping villains, saving the city from evil, and driving around in a batmobile with his favorite superhero.
- Chloe: Chloe’s wish was to go to Disney World. When Make-A-Wish Foundation heard about her wish, they not only arranged for her to go to the “happiest place on earth,” but also threw her a princess-themed sendoff celebration. Chloe was diagnosed with leukemia and had been going through chemotherapy when she received this news. This experience gave her the boost she needed to keep fighting.
These stories are just a few examples of how Make-A-Wish Foundation has lifted the spirits of children facing serious illnesses. Each wish takes a lot of effort and coordination, but the results are magical and unforgettable for the children and their families.
As you can see through the table below, Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted wishes in various categories. From travel wishes to meeting celebrities and athletes, the organization has been able to give a glimmer of hope and happiness to children facing medical challenges.
| Wish Type | Percentage of Total Wishes Granted |
|---|---|
| Travel | 52% |
| Entertainment | 25% |
| Gifts | 13% |
| Other | 10% |
Overall, Make-A-Wish Foundation has made tremendous progress and impacted the lives of children and their families in remarkable ways. It is a great reminder of how generosity, empathy, and kindness can make a difference in the world.
Challenges faced by Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization that has been making dreams come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions since 1980. Though the foundation has granted over 450,000 wishes to children across the world, they continue to face challenges in their mission to bring hope, strength, and joy to these vulnerable children and their families.
Funding
- One of the biggest challenges faced by the Make-A-Wish Foundation is securing funding to fulfill the wishes of children.
- The foundation relies heavily on donations from individuals, corporations, and other organizations to fund their programs, which can be affected during times of economic downturn or crisis.
- Without consistent funding, the foundation may have to limit the number of wishes they can grant or the extent to which they can fulfill them.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges
The Make-A-Wish Foundation operates in a highly regulated environment due to the nature of their work with children and the use of donated funds. Some of the challenges they face include:
- Compliance with state and federal charitable solicitation laws and regulations
- Fulfilling the wishes of children who live in countries with strict laws and regulations around charitable activities
- Maintaining transparency and accountability in their operations and finances
Cultural and Language Barriers
The Make-A-Wish Foundation operates in many countries and works with children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Some of the challenges they face include:
- Understanding cultural differences and customs to provide sensitive and appropriate support
- Ensuring the availability of translators or interpreters to communicate with children and families who do not speak the same language as the foundation staff
- Adapting to different cultural and religious traditions and customs to ensure the wishes are fulfilled in a manner that is acceptable to the child and their family
Covid-19 Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The challenges they face include:
- Delays or cancellations in fulfilling wishes due to travel restrictions and safety concerns
- Difficulty in securing donations due to the economic impact of the pandemic
- Providing virtual wish experiences to children who are unable to travel or meet people in person due to the pandemic
Conclusion
The Make-A-Wish Foundation faces many challenges in fulfilling their mission to bring hope, strength, and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Despite these challenges, their commitment and dedication to making wishes come true continue to inspire and impact the lives of thousands of children and their families around the world.
| Challenge | Impact on the Foundation |
|---|---|
| Funding | Limitation on the number and scope of wishes granted |
| Legal and Regulatory Challenges | Potential fines or damages to the foundation’s reputation |
| Cultural and Language Barriers | Difficulty in providing appropriate and sensitive support |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Delays or cancellations in wish experiences and difficulty in securing donations |
Despite the challenges, the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s mission to make wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions remains an essential and impactful cause.
FAQs About Make-A-Wish
1. What is Make-A-Wish?
Make-A-Wish is a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children who have critical illnesses.
2. How does Make-A-Wish work?
When a child is referred, Make-A-Wish volunteers work with the child and their family to determine the wish they want most. Make-A-Wish then works to grant that wish, which could be anything from meeting a celebrity to taking a dream vacation.
3. Who is eligible for a wish from Make-A-Wish?
Children between the ages of 2.5 and 18 who have been diagnosed with critical illnesses that are progressive, degenerative, or malignant are eligible for a wish.
4. How can I refer a child to Make-A-Wish?
If you know a child who is eligible for a wish, you can refer them to Make-A-Wish by contacting your local chapter or by filling out a referral form on the Make-A-Wish website.
5. How can I support Make-A-Wish?
There are many ways to support Make-A-Wish, such as making a donation, volunteering, or participating in a fundraising event. You can visit the Make-A-Wish website to learn more.
6. How much of my donation goes toward granting wishes?
Make-A-Wish strives to use as much of each donation as possible toward granting wishes. According to their website, in 2020, 78% of all donations went toward wish granting.
7. How many wishes has Make-A-Wish granted?
Since its founding in 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 500,000 wishes to children with critical illnesses.
Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Learning About Make-A-Wish!
We hope this article has helped you understand more about what Make-A-Wish does and how it helps children with critical illnesses. If you’re interested in supporting this amazing organization, there are many ways to get involved, whether it’s through donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you again soon!