Even before they are fulfilled, wishes are vital in a child’s fight against critical illness. In many cases, simply knowing that a wish is coming can give a child the strength and hope they need to continue treatment and even overcome their illness.
Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida® wants these amazing children to know that the sky’s the limit. That’s why we encourage our wish kids to dream big!
Granted wishes come in a wide range of types, but tend to fall under five main categories: “I wish to be…”, “I wish to have…”, “I wish to go…”, I wish to meet…”, and “I wish to give.”
“I Wish To Be…”
No matter how old they are, every child occasionally wonders what it would be like to be someone else. Some wish to be superheroes or princesses; others wish to be a famous actress or athlete. But for children with a critical illness, these wishes often disguise a desire for something else: a day to enjoy life as a normal kid.
When a child wishes “to be,” Make-A-Wish does everything in its power to make that wish as immersive and unforgettable as possible.
Take Caleb, for example. Caleb’s lifelong love of the Buffalo Bills inspired his wish to be a member of the team. Not only did he get to meet the team, he signed an official contract and spent a day alongside his favorite players. His experience on and off the field was something he will be able to carry with him always.
“I Wish To Have…”
Sometimes, all it takes is a small change to a child’s life to make a huge impact. And for our amazing wish kids, a wish “to have” often serves as a reminder of all the people who were cheering them on during their darkest moments.
Children living with a critical illness are oftentimes forced to go without some of the things that most children take for granted. For them, a wish isn’t just a present—it’s a chance to be in control of their own lives.
For Gabriella (above), this meant having a beautiful new bedroom where she could play music, study, or simply dream about what life has in store for her.
“I Wish To Go…”
When a child is first diagnosed with a critical illness, many of their plans must be put on hold to make room for doctor’s appointments, medical procedures, and more.
A wish trip, however, is more than just a family vacation. It’s a much-needed break from the uncertainty and fear that comes from living with a critical illness.
Planning for a trip is never an easy feat, but when you’re accommodating a child with medical needs, the result is often overwhelming. With wish trips, parents never have to worry about the burden of booking hotels, scheduling activities, or making an itinerary. Every detail—including those involving a child’s special needs—is taken care of by Make-A-Wish.
“I Wish To Meet…”
Every day, our wish kids remind us that they are the real heroes. Their strength and determination are an inspiration to everyone who crosses their path! But even warriors like this have role models of their own.
A wish “to meet” a favorite athlete, actor, or singer helps put a smile on a child’s face and gives them an unforgettable experience that they will remember for a lifetime.
In the case of Holin (pictured above), her wish to sing on stage with Kelsea Ballerini not only fulfilled a dream, it inspired a dedication to support Make-A-Wish’s mission to grant even more wishes! Her annual “Happy Holin-Days” concert allows us to grant thousands of wishes every year!
“I Wish To Give…”
After watching a wish kid go through so much, it’s always rewarding to watch their wish be granted. But it’s even more inspiring when they use their wish to help others.
Occasionally, Make-A-Wish comes across a child whose only wish is to see other people happy. From donating their entire wish to a local family or charity to making a wish that benefits their whole family, there are countless ways to “pay it forward” and share the joy of Make-A-Wish with the entire community.
Changing Lives
From embarking on a dream vacation to meeting a favorite role model, the wishes granted by Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida offer more than fleeting moments of happiness. Wishes are transformative experiences that change the lives of everyone they touch.
We are continually inspired by the boundless imagination of our wish kids and by the community support that helps bring these wishes to fruition. If you’d like to become involved in bringing the magic of wishes to children in your area, contact your local Make-A-Wish chapter to donate, volunteer, or attend an event.
