By Hannah Roberts - Reading time 3 minsQuality healthcare goes beyond the physical. Emotional well-being is just as important, especially for children navigating life-threatening medical conditions. Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) recognizes that good health also means emotional stability and mental resilience.
The work of Make-A-Wish clearly illustrates how fulfilling a wish supports physical, emotional and psychological well-being in children with critical illnesses. The wish experience brings moments of joy, hope, and empowerment to children and their families at a time of emotional and physical stress.
Scientific evidence on outcomes of wish fulfilment
Research highlights just how powerful a wish can be. Our ‘Global Theory of Change’ shows the emotional benefits of wish fulfilment are both profound and far-reaching.
Families consistently report that the wish experience is very meaningful. In fact, 98% of those surveyed believe the wish experience is important for children who are navigating serious medical challenges. Children themselves feel the impact deeply. 97% say their wish brought them genuine joy and happiness, while 92% report an improvement in their emotional well-being.
Caregivers also notice the difference. An overwhelming 96% feel more capable of meeting their child’s emotional and social needs after the wish experience. These outcomes reflect more than just temporary relief. They point to renewed optimism, a sense of normalcy, and stronger family bonds that continue long after the wish has been fulfilled.
How Make-A-Wish integrates emotional support in pediatric journeys
At the heart of the approach of Make-A-Wish is the understanding that a wish is not a singular event but a carefully guided journey. From the moment a wish is first imagined to the moment it comes true: every step is shaped by the principles of positive psychology. This process provides emotional relief, fosters family unity, and brings joy that resonates well beyond the moment the wish is granted.
Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children with critical illnesses in nearly 50 countries around the world. The organization creates personalized wish experiences that reflect each child’s unique dreams. Every wish is carefully co-designed with families, taking into account cultural values, medical needs, and what matters most to the child. Make-A-Wish aims to make each experience truly meaningful.
How Make-A-Wish contributes to SDG 3
With over 615,000 wishes granted since 1980 and operations in 50 countries, Make-A-Wish® makes a huge contribution to the well-being of children experiencing critical illness. Fulfilling a wish to support phsychological, emotiona and physical well-being in children with critical illnesses is central to this mission. Each wish aims to uplift not only the spirit, but also to support the overall well-being of the child.
Sources and scientific references for further reading
Would you like to learn more about the psychological impact of fulfilling a wish? Read more about out Theory of Change, which outlines how each wish contributes to a child’s emotional, psychological and physical well-being. Do you also help improve their lives? Get involved!