Make-A-Wish International has been fulfilling the wishes of children since 1980. Our mission is to provide life-changing memories for children who are living with a critical illness.
Our aim is to bring joy and new hope to the children and their loved ones. We are also creating awareness about childhood illnesses and what we can do to help. Make-A-Wish International holds the power to make a difference in the lives of critically ill children and their families.
The Make-A-Wish journey started in 1980 with the wish of a brave little boy named Christopher James Greicius. His wish was to be a police officer. Little did he know that he would turn into a true inspiration. To celebrate the anniversary of Make-A-Wish, we remember where it all started on the 29th of April in 1980. What can you do for World Wish Day? We discuss it in this blog.
World Wish Day
Who is eligible for a wish?
Make-A-Wish grants wishes to all eligible children around the globe. The eligibility criteria are confined to a few points:
1) The child must be between 3 to 17 years of age.
2) The child must be diagnosed with a critical condition.
3) The child must not have received a wish from another wishgranting organization.
A child who fulfills these 3 steps is eligible for the wish journey.
How does a wish come about?
The Make-A-Wish mission is to grant wishes to the children who are living with a life-threatening illness.
These wishes are of great value to critically ill kids. Granting wishes brings these children joy and hope. Make-A-Wish provides the resources to turn the dreams of those children into reality.
The wish journey consists of a few stages. It can be initiated by the parents, teachers, doctor, relative, friend, or anyone who knows the child personally. Anyone can submit a referral on behalf of the child. We process the wish application and see if the child is eligible. Then our wishgranters visit the child and their family. They discuss the aspirations of the child and his/her plans related to the wish. Lastly, we make all the necessary arrangements and coordinate with volunteers to grant the wish.
Transform the lives of critically ill children on World Wish Day
Grant life-changing wishes this World Wish Day
Since when is World Wish Day celebrated?
World Wish Day was initiated by Make-A-Wish. It all started when the wish of the seven-year-old Christopher James Greicius came true back on the 29th of April in 1980. The young boy was living with leukemia and he wished to be a police officer which overwhelmed the hearts of police officers who were willing to help Christopher’s wish come true. He did become a police officer for a day and as people heard of this story, they started to like the idea of granting wishes to children living with various critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish was eventually established and celebrates World Wish Day every year on the 29th of April, celebrating the anniversary of the day Christopher’s wish was granted.
What does Make-A-Wish do on World Wish day?
Make-A-Wish celebrates World Wish Day on the 29th of April every year. It marks the beginning of a foundation that grants the wishes of children living with critical illnesses worldwide. Make-A-Wish has granted over 550,000 wishes so far and aims to grant many, many more . Make-A-Wish Affiliates come together to celebrate this day. We encourage people to donate or volunteer to grant wishes to children living with critical illnesses. On this day we remember the inspiring story of Christopher James Greicius and are reminded of why Make-A-Wish started and why we should continue granting these life-changing wishes.
What can I do to help celebrate World Wish Day?
There are various ways to celebrate World Wish Day. You can use your social media account to educate others and spread awareness about the importance of World Wish Day. You can share the story of young Christopher to show how impactful granting wishes to critically ill children can be. You can also volunteer, or donate on World Wish Day to help Make-A-Wish grant more wishes to children who are living with critical illnesses around the world. You could also participate or start fundraisers for this purpose.
How can I volunteer on World Wish Day?
There are numerous ways you can volunteer on World Wish Day at Make-A-Wish. You can volunteer during the wish journey. From start to finish. For the celebrations of World Wish Day, Make-A-Wish organizes different challenges where you can volunteer to help us grant wishes and bring joy and hope to children who are living with a critical illness. You could volunteer to help plan and execute fundraisers for the foundation. Contact us below, and we will tell you all about the possibilities.
Sarah Labelle is Digital Fundraising Manager at Make-A-Wish International, having joined the organization in 2022 after a previous mission in humanitarian healthcare. Sarah oversees new donor acquisitions and conversions through our digital channels. Additionally, Sarah manages the e-commerce side of the website, email marketing and strives to deliver a smooth donation process for all Make-A-Wish supporters.