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Because every parent’s wish is for their child’s well-being.

Every 25 seconds, a child is diagnosed with a critical illness. Their childhood — and their family’s life — changes instantly.

This June, we shine a light on these families and the strength it takes to support a child through one of life’s hardest journeys.

You can help more children and families experience the life-changing impact of a wish.

Help grant wishes
A smiling woman and man embrace a young child with a bald head; the man, wearing a Make-A-Wish shirt, kisses the child’s head while holding a baby. They are sitting together in a cosy, indoor setting during World Wish Month.

Help grant wishes

Your support helps bring hope, strength, and joy to children with critical illnesses and their families around the world.

Leave your words of encouragement and hope
A child and an adult wearing headsets and seatbelts sit together in the back seat of a vehicle, possibly a helicopter, during a Make-A-Wish experience for World Wish Month. The child wears a white shirt with red sleeves; the adult smiles slightly in black.

Leave your words of encouragement and hope

Your message becomes part of the wish experience, reminding children and families they are not alone.

What parents tell us

A wish is more than an experience. It helps children and families find joy, strength, and connection during the most challenging moments.

Parents around the world consistently share the profound impact a wish has on their families:

 

Blue outline of a smiling face surrounded by three heart shapes, suggesting feelings of happiness, love, or affection.

97%

say a wish brings joy and happiness

Blue outline icon of a person standing with hands on hips and wearing a cape, suggesting a superhero or confident figure on a plain background.

96%

say it creates a happy, lasting family memory

A simple blue outline of a trophy cup with handles on both sides, centered on a black background.

93%

say it strengthens family bonding

Blue outline drawing of two balloons, each with a string hanging down, overlapping slightly against a plain background.

98%

believe every child with a critical illness should have a wish

A group of people pose together at a birthday celebration for World Wish Month, with one person in bed covered by a cartoon blanket and another holding a large blue number 6 balloon. Make-A-Wish decorations and balloons are in the background.

Why this matters now

Today, more than 10,000 children worldwide are waiting for their wish.

Behind each one is a parent or caregiver walking alongside them, supporting them every step of the way.

Because while families may be separated by borders, language, and culture, there is one thing every parent shares — the wish for their child to be happy and well.

A parent’s perspective: Vicente’s story

12-year-old Vicente from Chile is living with Chronic Granulomatous Disease, a rare condition where part of the immune system doesn’t work properly, leading to frequent or serious infections. His wish was to become a firefighter, joining the ranks of those who protect and serve. On the day his wish came true, Vicente arrived at the fire station and was welcomed with warmth and respect by members of the fire department, where he was named an Honorary Firefighter — a powerful moment that celebrated his courage and determination.