The new Make-A-Wish® International Affiliate will grant the wishes of eligible children in Indonesia, providing a host of proven benefits
Make-A-Wish Indonesia celebrated their launch on 2 October 2024 at the Indonesia Stock Exchange (Bursa Efek Indonesia) in Jakarta. The launch of the newest Affiliate of Make-A-Wish International means that children in the country who are facing critical illnesses can now experience the transformative power of a wish-come-true, offering them renewed hope and resilience during their most difficult and challenging moments.
The launch coincides with the release of new research on the impact of the Make-A-Wish journey on children around the world who have been granted a wish and their families. Make-A-Wish International engaged Research for Impact, a Singapore-based research company, to help define and analyze the effects of the wish experience. The research shows that the benefits of a wish included improved physical, emotional, and social well-being while inspiring hope and optimism. In fact, 98% of wish children and their parents or guardians surveyed agreed that a wish is important for every child with a critical illness.
The addition of Make-A-Wish Indonesia expands the global Make-A-Wish network to nearly 50 countries and territories. Since its establishment, Make-A-Wish has granted life-changing wishes for more than 585,000 children globally. In Indonesia alone, it is estimated that 45,000 children are diagnosed with a critical illness and become eligible for a wish each year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Make-A-Wish Indonesia to our global family” said Luciano Manzo, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish International, adding, “Each new Affiliate allows us to reach even more children who are in need of the transformative power of a wish. Indonesia’s launch is a testament to the incredible dedication of volunteers, donors, and partners who believe in the impact of a wish. Together, we can restore childhood to children facing critical illnesses, showing them that anything is possible”.
Imelda Tanoyo, CEO of Make-A-Wish Indonesia added, “We are honored to launch Make-A-Wish Indonesia and bring the healing power of a wish to children facing critical illnesses. Our mission is to create moments of magic for children and give them the courage and optimism they need during their toughest battles. We believe that a single wish can change everything.”
Make-A-Wish Indonesia will work closely with doctors, nurses, social workers and families to identify eligible children between the ages of 3 and 17 who are living with critical illnesses. The organization will then tailor a wish experience to each child, offering them a unique wish experience. To begin with, Make-A-Wish Indonesia will partner with two leading hospitals in Jakarta, RS Kanker Dharmais and RS Harapan Kita, to identify and support eligible children facing critical illnesses. With the support of donors, sponsors, and volunteers across the country, they aim to make a lasting impact in the lives of children with critical illnesses and their families.
Niamh Ryan is Senior Manager, PR and Communications at Make-A-Wish International, having joined the organisation in 2022 after 5 years at Make-A-Wish Ireland. Niamh oversees the organisation’s internal and external communications and looks after media relations and media strategy. With a background in digital marketing, she is passionate about employing the latest technology and trends to help more people learn about the life-changing power of a wish-come-true!