Every child deserves joy and hope, especially those battling critical illnesses. At Make-A-Wish, we understand the severe impact these conditions can have on a sick child’s mental health. The journey through illness is not just physical; it also comes with emotional and psychological challenges that can leave lasting scars. Our mission is to bring light into these children’s lives, helping them cope with their struggles through the power of a wish.

I wish to have interactive toys
Mei Eng, 3, Malaysia
leukemia

Psychological effects a critical iIllness can have on children

Critical illnesses can severely disrupt a child’s mental well-being. The diagnosis alone is a significant stress factor, often leading to anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness. Hospital stays, frequent medical procedures and physical pain can exacerbate these emotions. Children may feel isolated from friends and family, leading to loneliness and a sense of alienation. These children often experience:

• Anxiety: Worrying about death, the future, or about the impact of treatments.
• Depression: Lasting sadness, loss of interest in activities and withdrawal from social interactions.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, related to former medical experiences.
• Behavioral changes: Increased irritability, aggression or regression to earlier developmental stages.

These mental health challenges can hinder recovery and affect a child’s overall quality of life. Addressing them is crucial for the mental and physical well-being of these children. 

The need for mental health support during illness

Mental health support is essential for these children enduring critical illnesses. Providing psychological care helps them process their emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and maintain a sense of normalcy. Help in an early stage can prevent the development of long-term mental health issues. Support can have various forms:

• Counseling and therapy: Professional guidance to help children and their families navigate emotional challenges.
• Support groups: Connecting with other patients, who share similar experiences, to reduce feelings of isolation.
• Creative therapies: Art, music, and play therapy to express emotions in non-verbal ways.
  

These approaches ensure that children receive the best care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs. In a similar way, wish-granting compliments and child’s medical treatment to support physical, emotional and psychological well-being. Based on the principals of positive psychology, a wish is a carefully designed journey that can bring lasting postive emotions and help build the resilience a child needs to face their illness.

That is the power of the wishes that Make-a-Wish fullfills. Help us in our ambition to grant the wish of every eligible child.

Grant life-changing wishes

The role of wish granting in mental health

The wish experince provides a much-needed break from medical routines, instilling hope, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. Here’s how a Wish Journey unfolds:

1. Referral: Children aged 3 to 17 are referred by medical professionals, family members, or themselves.
2. Eligibility: Medical advisors confirm the child’s eligibility.
3. Discovery: A Wish Granter or volunteer captures the child’s wish.
4. Planning: The Wish Team designs a seamless experience.
5. Wish fulfillment: The child’s wish is granted, bringing joy and hope.
6. Beyond the Wish: The wish leaves a lasting positive impact on the child and their family.

Children who experience a wish often show remarkable improvements in their mental health, including increased happiness and reduced anxiety, strengthened family bonds. It can also boost a child’s resilience to face their illness.

How you can help grant a wish

You can make a significant difference in the lives of children with critical illnesses. Here are some ways to support:

• Donate: Your donations to Make-A-Wish help fund wishes, providing moments of happiness and hope.
• Volunteer with your local Make-A-Wish Affiliate: Offer your time and skills to assist in wish-granting activities and events.
• Spread awareness: Share stories and information about the impact of wish granting on social media and within your community.
• Fundraise: Organize events or campaigns to raise money for Make-A-Wish International. 

At Make-A-Wish International, we witness daily the transformative power of hope and joy. Join us in making a lasting impact on the mental health of children with critical illnesses. Together, we light up their lives with the magic of a wish.

Grant life-changing wishes