World Wish Month is celebrated each April, culminating on April 29, to honor the aniversary of the wish the inspired the Make-A-Wish movement.

Become a WishMaker today

World Wish Month highlights the impact of wishes, connects people around the world and encourages support through donations, volunteering or sharing stories. It’s a global reminder that one wish can bring joy, strength and transformation to children with critical illnesses.

The Origins of World Wish Month: Honoring Chris’s Wish

The story behind World Wish Month begins in 1980, with a seven-year-old boy named Christopher James Greicius. He was facing leukemia, and he had one big wish: to be a police officer.

When his community learned about this, they stepped in. Chris received a custom-made uniform and was sworn in as an Arizona Police officer. Chris had a wonderful wish experience.

Just a few days later, Chris passed away. But his wish left a lasting impression. The people who helped grant it were inspired to do more. That moment became the start of something bigger: the Make-A-Wish movement.

Today, World Wish Day is celebrated every year on the day Chris’s wish came true. It marks the beginning of a global effort to bring joy and happiness to children with critical illnesses. In this way, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 615,000 wishes around the world.

Global Celebrations and Events Planned for April 29, 2025

On World Wish Day 2025, Make-A-Wish supporters, donors and volunteers across the globe will join forces to celebrate the power of a wish and the people who help make them come true. Throughout the month, people are invited become ‘WishMakers’ by giving, volunteering or otherwise showing their support.

All around the world, local communities will come together through fundraising events, awareness campaigns and school initiatives. Whether it’s a community walk, a storytelling evening where children, families and volunteers share their personal experiences or wish walls in shopping malls, each event helps shine a light on the impact of a wish. Landmarks all around the world will be lit up in Make-A-Wish blue. 

And while the world comes together to support the mission, some children will see their own wishes come true: turning this day into a day they’ll never forget.

Stories of Children Whose Wishes Came True Thanks to Supporters

In the past 45 years, more than 615,000 wishes were granted. Thanks to supporters, many children saw their wishes come true. One of the most celebrated wishes was that of Miles Scott, who was battling leukemia. In 2013 the little boy wished to be Batkid.

With the support of Make-A-Wish and thousands of volunteers, San Francisco transformed into Gotham City for a day. Miles rescued a damsel in distress, stopped the Riddler, and saved a mascot from the Penguin.

One of the most memorable moments of the day came in print: a front-page article in the Gotham City Chronicle. The headline read, ‘Batkid Saves City!’, a fitting tribute to Miles and his unforgettable day as a hero. It was a playful detail, but one that captured the heart of the wish: giving a child with a critical illness the chance to feel brave, celebrated and unstoppable.

How Your Involvement Makes a Lasting Impact

There are many ways to get involved. Give a donation, become a volunteer, start a fundraising event, or help spread the word. Every step you take brings a wish closer to coming true.

Your support means more than you can imagine. It gives a child with a critical illness something to look forward to. It brings families together. In the middle of a tough time, a granted wish creates space for joy.

Will you get involved? You will be part of that moment of joy. You can help a child feel seen and celebrated. That’s the spark that brings happiness where it’s needed most.

Ways to Join the Movement on World Wish Month 2025

Getting involved in World Wish Month doesn’t have to be big or complicated. Sometimes it starts with something small. Think of organizing a bake sale with friends, dedicating your birthday to fundraising via social media, or invite your colleagues to support a local campaign.

Others might join a charity walk, take part in a livestream event, or lit up their home or storefront in blue to show they care. Some supporters choose to give their time, offering their skills or helping out at local events.

And even from home, there’s so much you can do; from donating, to sharing a story on Instagram, starting a fundraiser online, or encouraging others to get involved – all these actions help wishes move forward.

No matter how you take part, you’re helping create something meaningful. One small act brings a child with a critical illness closer to a moment they’ll never forget. Ready to be part of something meaningful? Find your way to get involved and help make wishes come true.

Grant life-changing wishes