For children facing rare diseases, wishes are vital
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Wish Journey offers children with rare diseases a chance to dream, to hope, and to experience joy beyond their everyday challenges.
Rare Disease Day
Global Rare Disease Day is dedicated to highlighting the challenges faced by individuals living with rare diseases, as well as their families and caregivers. At Make-A-Wish International, we mark this important day to emphasize the transformative power of wishes for children with rare and critical illnesses.
For many families, just receiving a diagnosis can be a long journey as relatively common symptoms can mask underlying rare diseases. When the diagnosis finally comes, it can be life-altering for both the child and their family. Parents face immense mental and emotional burdens and the children themselves can face challenges beyond physical symptoms, including anxiety, feelings of isolation, and the struggle of coping with pain and fatigue.
Despite the obstacles posed by this new reality, 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.
Read about wishes of children with rare diseases
12-year-old Vicente from Chile is living with Chronic Granulomatous Disease, a rare condition where part of the immune system doesn’t work properly, leading to frequent or serious infections. His wish was to become a firefighter, joining the ranks of those who protect and serve. On the day his wish came true, Vicente arrived at the fire station and was welcomed with warmth and respect by members of the fire department, where he was named an Honorary Firefighter — a powerful moment that celebrated his courage and determination.