The magic of our Affiliate, Make-A-Wish Greece

Make-A-Wish is an international organization that works to make the wishes of children living with critical illnesses come true. It is present in over fifty countries, including Greece. After a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, not only the child but the whole family longs for some good news and a completely joyful day. Make-A-Wish Greece makes the one true wish of a child come true and makes everyone forget about the disease for a day. Seventy percent of the parents have reported that getting a wish granted turned out to be a turning point in their child’s recovery.

Grant life-changing wishes

The magic of the Wish Journey

Throughout the journey of getting a wish, Make-A-Wish Greece is determined to keep the family burden-free. Once the wish is registered, the Make-A-Wish team starts working on it. The wish can be anything at all; an item, wanting to become someone for a day, going to a place, or meeting a celebrity. The sky’s the limit. Make-A-Wish Greece manages the child’s medical schedule with their treating doctor and brings the whole thing together. The best part is, the family does not have to bear any financial burden.

Make-A-Wish Greece: the steps of the Wish Journey

The steps of the wish journey in Make-A-Wish Greece are quite simple. The first step is getting the child referred to Make-A-Wish. This can be done by either their parents, legal guardians, medical professionals currently treating, or any family member that is familiar with the child’s medical history. They just have to fill out a referral form.
In the second step, Make-A-Wish Greece checks the eligibility of the child by checking their age group and medical condition. Their medical condition is confirmed by a medical professional according to the Make-A-Wish criteria. Once that’s done, the team at Make-A-Wish Greece will start working on the wish and soon it’ll come to life.

“I wish to be a firefighter” Harry, 6, Greece, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Even though he is only 6 years old, when the wish volunteers asked him: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, Harry already knew the answer. He wants to be the bravest firefighter and put out any fire that dares to stand in his way!
On his wish day, the Fire Chief and the rest of the firefighters welcomed him firmly to the team and gave him a tailor-made uniform. Harry was to be their new… Lieutenant!
And suddenly, while Harry was getting dressed, the fire alarm went off. It was an emergency! His name was heard repeatedly over the loudspeakers. Harry was surprised but began running with the rest of the team. They climbed into a fire truck and headed straight to the helicopter. Then, Harry and two of his co-workers boarded the helicopter and took off! The little firefighter took a helicopter ride over Athens!

They hadn’t even landed when they discovered that a motor had burst into flames and they had to put it out. Harry rode down the slide of the fire department, climbed into a fire truck and aimed a jet of water at the motor, while his whole team gave him a huge round of applause. What an amazing experience offered to Harry on his wish day!

Wish Journey: The Criteria

Any child aged between 3 and 17 years old inclusive, who has a critical illness may be eligible to have their wish granted by Make-A-Wish. The disease does not have to be terminal for the child to be considered.
The eligibility is ensured by confirming the medical condition from the child’s current treating physician. If the illness is classified as critical or life-threatening according to the Make-A-Wish medical criteria, the child may be eligible for a wish.

Inspire critically ill children by donating

Make-A-Wish Greece relies on donations from the local community and the wishes they have granted could not have come true if it hadn’t been for those funds. Hence, each of your donations is significant in making another child’s wish come true. You can donate online by clicking the donate button below and selecting your affiliate of choice. Hopefully, with your help, Make-A-Wish will continue giving hope and inspiration to children living with critical illnesses.

Can I refer a child to Make-A-Wish Greece?

Anyone, including the child, their parents or guardians, a healthcare professional, a friend, or other relatives, can submit an application on behalf of the child. In order for a child to be able to experience the Wish Journey, some criteria must be met. Firstly, the child’s medical condition has to be verified by a doctor, physician or other medical expert. This process is also done to determine if the child can enjoy the Wish Journey in a safe way. Secondly, the child must be between 2½ and 18 years old.

How can I help Make-A-Wish Greece?

Make-A-Wish Greece is grateful for any support of donors and volunteers who help grant wishes for children living with life threatening conditions. If you’re interested in helping Make-A-Wish Greece, there are several ways you can do so. One way is by making a donation. Another way is by volunteering, such as organizing fundraisers and events to collect donations. Together with your help and the assistance of doctors, parents, donors, volunteers, and many more, these wishes can become a reality. Every bit of help makes a difference and helps to make wishes come true.

How does Make-A-Wish Greece influence the lives of children who are living with a critical illness?

Make-A-Wish Greece works to grant the wishes of critically ill children. The Wish Journey can have a significant impact on the lives of these children, providing them with joy and hope. It offers a break from the constant hospital visits and treatments, allowing them to experience the fulfillment of a wish and improved mental well-being. Research has shown that granting these wishes can play a role in the improvement of children’s mental health and possibly positively affect the response to treatment.

How does the Wish Journey at Make-A-Wish Greece work?

The Wish Journey, which allows granting the wishes of children living with critical illnesses, starts with Make-A-Wish Greece receiving an application. When the application is received, we approach the child and their family to check their eligibility for a wish, while we maintain the anonymity of the applicant. When the eligibility standard is met a meeting is set up to discuss their child’s wish, during the Wish Capture and Wish Design phase and move towards the direction of granting it.

The family will wait for the wish to be granted and feel the strength of the Wish Anticipation, until finally the Wish Realization is there. Finally the Wish Effect can have a long lasting positive effect on the child and family. We work with our donors and supporters, volunteers, and numerous businesses to make the wish become a reality.