For children facing rare diseases, wishes are vital
70% of rare diseases begin in childhood. Beyond physical symptoms, children may experience anxiety, feelings of isolation, and the struggle of coping with pain and fatigue.
This month alone, at least 6,800 children, 82,000 per year, will be diagnosed with a rare disease across our Affiliates and territories and become eligible for a wish.
The Wish Journey offers children with rare diseases a chance to dream, to hope, and to experience joy beyond their everyday challenges.
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Rare Disease Day
I wish to go sightseeing in London
Oliver, 5, UK
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Rare Disease Day is a global awareness event, created by EURORDIS in 2008, dedicated to highlighting the challenges faced by individuals living with rare diseases, as well as their families and caregivers. Held annually on the last day of February, it aims to foster understanding, advocacy, and support for the rare disease community.
At Make-A-Wish International, we mark this important day to emphasize the transformative power of wishes for children with rare and critical illnesses.
Relatively common symptoms can hide underlying rare diseases leading to delays in diagnosis and when the diagnosis does come, it can be life-altering for both the child and their family. Parents face immense mental and emotional burdens as they navigate complex care needs, advocate for their child, and cope with financial and logistical pressures.
Yet, despite these obstacles, each child is so much more than their illness. They have unique dreams, hopes, and aspirations that a wish can help unlock. See the lasting impact that wishes can have on children with rare diseases.
For children living with rare diseases, the hope and resilience inspired by a wish are vital. This Rare Disease Day, we honor the incredible strength of children with rare diseases and their families.
Your donation can make wishes come true for a child. Join us in granting life-changing wishes that bring light to their darkest days.
Make-A-Wish Foundation ® International is an Arizona nonprofit corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Federal Identification Number (EIN): 86-0726985
I wish to go on small trips
Anton, 5, Denmark
epilepsy and multiple rare diseases
Read about wishes of children with rare diseases
I Wish To Fly In A Helicopter
Six-year-old Jen’s wish to fly in a helicopter gave her joy and strength during her cancer battle. Help make more wishes come true this World Wish Month!
I wish to meet my favorite actor
Tonie’s wish to meet her favorite actor gave her strength and joy before treatment. Wishes bring hope, help make more wishes come true!
I Wish To Fly Like A Bird
Ian’s greatest wish was to fly like a bird. Experiencing his wish allowed Ian to feel like a child again, to laugh, smile and treasure the happy memory that will help him face whatever the future may hold.