Wishes for children with rare diseases do more than create temporary joy. They offer lasting benefits that extend beyond the wish itself. Many children face prolonged medical treatments and the emotional toll of living with conditions that isolate them from their friends and family. A granted wish offers them not only joy and respite, giving them hope and lasting resilience to face the challenges ahead.

The Psychological Benefits of Wish Fulfillment

The emotional impact of a wish is significant. Children with rare diseases often experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem due to their medical condition. The wish experience provides an escape, allowing them to reconnect with their sense of wonder and possibility. It broadens their horizons and improves family bonding.

Whether it involves meeting a role model, visiting a country or city, or experiencing something new, each wish is unique to the child who makes it. The boost in emotional strength can have a positive effect on physical health, supporting better recovery outcomes.

Stories of Children Whose Wishes Have Come True

The stories of children who have had their wishes granted demonstrate the lasting impact these experiences can create. Eight-year-old Zachariah, who has mobility-limiting conditions, wished for an off-road buggy to explore the outdoors, giving him the freedom to enjoy nature again. Eidys, an 11-year-old girl with Noonan syndrome, wished to save stray kittens, highlighting her compassionate nature.

Jasper, a 5-year-old with leukemia, wished to drive a steam train after months in the hospital. The experience brought back his energy and joy. For Javier, who hadn’t visited the beach since before his cancer diagnosis, feeling the sand beneath his feet was deeply emotional.

These stories highlight how wishes foster emotional strength, reconnect families, and provide lasting hope.

How Make-A-Wish Supports Children with Rare Diseases

Make-A-Wish consults with the child’s treating physician to ensure their wish is compatible with their overall care plan. This collaboration ensures that the wish fits the child’s medical and physical needs. In this way, we ensure the child can get the maximum benefit from their wish experience granted wishes.

Medical teams often note improvements in the willingness of children with rare diseases to undergo treatments after a wish has been granted, highlighting the connection between emotional well-being and treatment outcomes.

The Role of Community and Volunteers in Making Wishes Happen

The success of a wish relies on the dedication of the community and the volunteers of Make-A-Wish, who contribute their time and resources in various ways. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making fundraising events possible, while wishgranting volunteers can be involved at various points along the wish journey, helping to tailor a unique experience for the family they are liaising with.

This collective effort not only provides the financial means to grant wishes, but also fosters a sense of belonging for the families. Knowing that an entire community has made their child’s wish come true offers emotional reassurance and reduces feelings of isolation.

How You Can Help Make More Wishes Come True

Help Make-A-Wish enable more children with rare diseases to experience the life-changing impact of a wish. Fundraising helps us continue to make wishes come true for children around the world. Planned giving programs provide a sustainable source of funding, and help us strive towards our aim of granting the wish of every eligible child.

Volunteering is another way to contribute. By helping grant wishes or supporting events, individuals can directly impact the success of the program. Sharing stories on social media and participating in awareness campaigns also amplifies the reach of Make-A-Wish, inspiring more people to get involved.

Get involved to help grant wishes for children with rare diseases. Your involvement brings new possibilities to the children and their families.

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