What does Make-A-Wish do for children living with leukemia?

Children who are living with leukemia, often feel worried or anxious. Granting a wish can improve self-esteem, confidence and most importantly, hope. Hope is extremely important to have for children and their loved ones. 

We believe that granting wishes improves the prospects for a child living with leukemia. Exhilaration, joy and hope are three factors that can renew the strength in a child and their families.

The story of Make-A-Wish is not just a story. It is a story of all stories of children with a life-threatening illness. As well as caring volunteers, parents, hospitals and corporate partners, who go above and beyond to make the impossible possible. 

Carefree moments with their families making memories. Being part of an unforgettable wish journey gives the child a positive boost. Children and their families can renew their strength to face the future with more confidence. 

Grant life-changing wishes

Nitzan’s imagination brought to life

Nitzan has always fantasized about being able to fly in a hot air balloon. While fighting cancer, it is important for a child to keep having hope. Nitzan’s wish was granted! She and her family were invited to fly in a hot air balloon on her wish day. 

Nitzan felt at peace when she was floating through the sky. Nothing she had ever felt before came close to what she was feeling in that moment. Nitzan and her family had the best time during the hot air balloon ride.

Wishes like these are a distraction from everyday life. It offers the children and their loved ones a chance to create memories that will last forever. The impact of a wish positively affects the emotional wellbeing of a child.

Granting wishes abroad

Eva, 3 years old, has been living with neuroblastoma for most of her life. Her wish was to have a tea party in a real castle while dressing up with her mom. Thanks to Make-A-Wish supporters, her wish was granted! 

The weather on her wish day was outstanding. Eva made big soap bubbles and had loads of fun with balloons. She played the piano and was able to have the biggest fun. She and her family had the most glorious day in the castle. It was a tea party to be never forgotten.

Donate to help grant the most incredible wishes

Wishes provide a self-esteem boost for young children who have to deal with doctor’s appointments, medication, and hospitals. We believe that this boost, together with renewed strength, has a positive influence on the healing process. 

Make-A-Wish cannot do this alone. With the hard work of volunteers and the generous donations from donors, we can spread the Make-A-Wish message. Making a difference in the lives of critically ill children, by sparking their imagination and granting their wishes. Help us fulfil our mission, and donate today. If you wish to learn how Make-A-Wish works you can also visit our FAQ.

The word "leukaemia" and its definition

How does Make-A-Wish work for children living with leukemia?

With the help of local communities, Make-A-Wish works to grant wishes of critically ill children all around the world, like children living with leukemia. Once a child is referred, Make-A-Wish gets to work making that child’s wish come true.
With the help of donors and volunteers, the Make-A-Wish team works to make every wish come to life without putting the family through any financial expenses. It serves to provide the children and their families a ray of hope in a very difficult time. Note: Make-A-Wish does not provide wishes exclusively to children living with leukemia. Please check our eligibility criteria for further information.

Why is granting wishes to children living with critical illnesses important?

Often, children living with critical illnesses such as leukemia get anxious or fearful as the illness and treatment disrupts so many childhood experiences. Make-A-Wish works to bring hope, strength and joy back to these children by granting their wish, and the best part? The only limit is their imagination!
The charity aims to bring every kind of wish to life, be it meeting a celebrity, going to a new place, wishing to experience something, or wanting a specific item. Make-A-Wish enriches their childhood with joy, hope and strength and gives both the children and their families a day where everyone forgets about the illness.

How can I refer a child living with leukemia?

To refer a child to Make-A-Wish, please refer to the website of your local affiliate. Make-A-Wish accepts referral forms from children living with critical illnesses, their parents or legal guardians and medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers, or child-life specialists, or any family member that is familiar with the child’s medical history.
The child must be eligible according to the eligibility criteria for Make-A-Wish. Children should be aged 3 to 17 years inclusive. Moreover, their medical condition must be confirmed by their current treating physician as a critical or life-threatening illness according to Make-A-Wish medical criteria.

What is the importance of donating?

Make-A-Wish is a non profit organization that tries to work with volunteers as much as possible. Items and services required for a wish are also acquired through donation wherever we can. Still, a lot of financial support is required to fulfill wishes. This is where you come in. Every single penny of every donation counts.
Most of your donation will go towards granting a wish while the rest goes towards fundraising, management and other essential costs.

How can I make a donation for children living with leukemia?

How to become a sponsor? You can donate online, by mail, by choosing a monthly basis plan on the website, and through cryptocurrency. Along with this, you can help in further ways by donating airline miles, lending workspaces to our employees, or by starting an online fundraiser. You can also consult and donate services and products according to the needs of your local affiliate.
Every donation for a child living with a critical illness such as leukemia will help us move a step further in spreading hope and joy in their lives.

Sarah Labelle

Sarah Labelle

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.