Behind the scenes at Make-A-Wish International is where the power of wish-granting comes to life. Discover the extraordinary journey that unfolds as we craft a unique and personalized wish journey for children living with critical illnesses. Here, creativity, compassion, and dedication blend seamlessly, transforming wishes into unforgettable experiences that leave an everlasting impact on wish children and their families.
Behind the scenes, a team of passionate wish-granters, volunteers, and supporters work tirelessly to orchestrate each wish with meticulous care and attention to detail. From the moment a wish is born in the heart of a wish child, a symphony of love and hope begins to unfold, bringing the dream to reality in the most extraordinary ways.
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The Wish Journey: from dream to reality
The wish journey begins with a special connection between wish children and our volunteers, who take the time to understand the unique wishes and aspirations of each child. Through thoughtful conversations and careful planning, we weave together the elements that will make the wish experience truly unforgettable.
With creativity and compassion as our guiding forces, we curate personalized wish adventures, tailored to suit the interests and passions of each wish child. From meeting beloved superheroes and athletes to exploring far-off lands or experiencing moments of wonder and joy, every wish is crafted with love, care, and attention to detail.
The wish journey goes beyond just fulfilling a dream; it leaves a lasting impression on the hearts of wish children, inspiring them with newfound strength and resilience. The wish experience creates cherished memories that serve as beacons of hope, nurturing a sense of joy and hope that extends far beyond the wish itself.
Creative minds help wish crafting
At Make-A-Wish International, the art of wish crafting is brought to life by the collective power of creative minds. Our team of imaginative wish-granters, volunteers, and partners come together to weave wishes into reality, infusing each wish with a touch of magic and wonder.
The process of wish crafting is a symphony of creativity, compassion, and attention to detail. Our skilled wish-granters work closely with wish children and their families, listening to their heartfelt desires and uncovering the essence of their wishes. With every wish being as unique as the child who dreams it, our creative minds transform wishes into unforgettable, personalized experiences.
Collaborating with a diverse network of supporters and partners, we create moments of joy and inspiration that are tailor-made for each wish child. From extraordinary meet-and-greets with idols to once-in-a-lifetime adventures, our creative minds turn imagination into reality, exceeding expectations and leaving a lasting impact.
The logistical power: making wishes come true
The art of wish-granting at Make-A-Wish International is not only an emotional and creative endeavor but also a logistical masterpiece. The organization’s success in fulfilling over 550,000 wishes worldwide rests on a well-coordinated dance of logistics, cooperation, and community support. It involves the intricate planning and collaboration of various parties including wish-granters, volunteers, community partners, and generous donors.
From booking flights for magical adventures to arranging meetings with celebrities and organizing complex events, every detail is carefully considered and executed. This logistical prowess ensures that each wish unfolds flawlessly, creating an unforgettable experience for the child. It reflects the organizational dedication to leaving no stone unturned, ensuring that every wish is not merely granted but crafted to perfection.
How wishes have transformed over the years
The transformative journey of Make-A-Wish began with the spark of a single wish in 1980 when a community united to grant the wish of the 7-year-old Christopher James Greicius, living with leukemia. This singular act of kindness ignited a global movement that has blossomed across six continents, evolving and adapting to touch the lives of children in 50 countries.
Over the past 40 years, the nature of wishes has also evolved, reflecting changes in society, technology, and the aspirations of wish children. From the early wishes of becoming police officers or meeting celebrities to today’s diverse and often intricate dreams, the wishes have become a mirror of the changing times and endless human creativity. With the expansion of technology, including the launch of the Make-A-Wish website, and the establishment of Affiliates around the world, the reach and scope of wishes have grown exponentially.
Through all these changes, the core essence of wishes has remained constant: a profound human connection and the transformative power of dreams. As we continue this extraordinary journey, each wish stands as a testament to our collective humanity, our ability to adapt, innovate, and above all, our unwavering commitment to turning the wishes of today into the cherished memories of tomorrow.
Grant life-changing wishes
Sarah Labelle is Digital Fundraising Manager at Make-A-Wish International, having joined the organization in 2022 after a previous mission in humanitarian healthcare. Sarah oversees new donor acquisitions and conversions through our digital channels. Additionally, Sarah manages the e-commerce side of the website, email marketing and strives to deliver a smooth donation process for all Make-A-Wish supporters.