What is a wish?
For children facing life-threatening medical conditions —and for their families as well—a wish provides a desperately needed respite from the exhausting reality of doctor appointments and medical treatments. At Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, we believe wishes improve the odds for children battling critical illnesses—and we have the research to prove it. Wishes make sick children feel better. And when they feel better, they often get better.
Why are wishes important?
For many children, a wish marks a significant turning point in their battle against illness. Research indicates wish experiences can lead to increased emotional and physical health benefits and improved quality of life. Wishes are often transformative for the entire family, providing parents, siblings and the children with something to look forward to, and then something joyful to remember. Parents often share that having the chance to participate in a wish experience helped the entire family come together in a deeply meaningful way.
Libby’s mom, Jennifer shared “While every child’s journey is different, Make-A-Wish offers such a meaningful way for the child and his or her family to truly experience something filled with joy. For Libby and our family, our wish meant being able to connect with and enjoy something that we loved prior to her cancer diagnosis. It was so important to be able to make new, precious memories after enduring a difficult situation. We are forever grateful to Make-A-Wish for providing this amazing opportunity to bring joy to Libby and our family.”
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Wishes can be powerful medicine.
Increasingly, medical professionals view wishes as an important part of a child’s medical treatment. The wish experience can enhance a treatment plan, building strength and inspiring a child to fight harder to overcome challenges.
 | “As a pediatric hematologist and oncologist, I have witnessed again and again, the positive influence granting a wish has on both the child and the family facing serious health conditions. A wish allows for children to have hope and a reprieve from the stress of treatment. It allows families a time of joy in the midst of struggle and grief.” Dr. Kimberly Dunsmore, Chair of Pediatrics and Senior Vice President of Carilion Clinic. |
There are roughly 20 children waiting for their wishes to be granted in your community. While we grant approximately 180 wishes each year, we are only reaching less than half the estimated 400 eligible Virginia children. The average cost of a wish is $10,000 and all funds raised benefit local children.
How can you help?
Jaime Clark is excited to share that she has been selected as a Make-A-Wish® Greater Virginia W.I.S.H. Circle Honoree. As an Honoree, she has committed to raise at least $10,000 to help grant the wish of one child with a critical illness in Virginia. Please visit her fundraising website and consider a gift towards her goal.
For more information about how you can connect with our mission, please contact our office at 804.217.9474 or email info@va.wish.org.
Together, we transform lives, one wish at a time.
