By Sixtine Tabard - Reading time 1 min
Make-A-Wish International announced today the launch of its operations in the Dominican Republic, bringing its mission of granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses to the country for the first time. Through the power of a wish, Make-A-Wish Dominican Republic aims to deliver hope, strength and joy to eligible children and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments. The launch event, held at Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo, was attended by business and healthcare leaders, supporters and government representatives, including Dr. Víctor Atallah, Minister of Public Health of the Dominican Republic.
Make-A-Wish is active in nearly 50 countries worldwide, supported by more than 27,000 volunteers, and has helped grant more than 650,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses around the world. With this launch, the Dominican Republic becomes the first country in the Caribbean where the organization has established a presence and the ninth country in Latin America.
Whether a child wishes to meet someone they admire, become something they aspire to be, or receive something they have long hoped for, every wish is designed to create a life-changing experience that can bring hope, strength and joy during treatment and beyond. Research has shown that wishes have lasting positive impacts for children facing critical illness and their families including improved physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing.
In the Dominican Republic, Make-A-Wish will work closely with hospitals, healthcare professionals, volunteers and supporters through a medical referral model to reach children eligible for the program. It will begin by granting 20 wishes during the remainder of 2026, with a goal of granting nearly 200 wishes by its third year of operation. Resources will come from donations, volunteer support and strategic partnerships with the private sector, the general public and other organizations that share the same purpose, amplify the organization’s message and help it reach even more children and families.
The organization’s first wish in the Dominican Republic was granted this week for 9-year-old Abigail who is living with spina bifida with kidney complications. Abigail’s wish was to become a nephrologist and as part of the wish experience, she received a personalized doctor’s coat and an honorary diploma before spending a day at the hospital where she undergoes treatment. During the experience, Abigail took part in training activities, spent time with healthcare professionals and gained firsthand insight into the work of a nephrologist, helping bring a future career aspiration to life.
The launch event was also attended by five children from the Dominican Republic whose wishes were previously granted while receiving medical treatment in the United States. Their participation highlighted the impact of wishes on Dominican families and reflected their enthusiasm for supporting the establishment of Make-A-Wish Dominican Republic so that more children can experience the life-changing power of a wish closer to home.
“The launch of Make-A-Wish Dominican Republic reflects the passion and commitment of a community determined to bring the power of a wish to children with critical illnesses and their families. We are proud to welcome Make-A-Wish Dominican Republic to our global network and look forward to supporting the team as they begin creating life-changing wishes across the country.”
Dorothee van Vredenburch, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish International
“Behind every wish is a child who deserves to dream again and a family that needs to know they are not alone. Today we take the first step in the Dominican Republic, but this journey can only be taken together: with doctors, volunteers, companies and citizens who believe that hope is also part of medicine. We invite the entire country to join us, because every wish that becomes a reality reminds us of what we are capable of when we act together.”
María Camila Grisales, CEO, Make-A-Wish Dominican Republic
As Make-A-Wish Dominican Republic begins its mission, the organization invites individuals, companies, healthcare professionals and community partners to help bring the power of a wish to more children with critical illnesses across the country. Learn more, refer a child, volunteer or support the mission at makeawish.org.do.