Make-A-Wish America

Nolan took center stage for his wish day! 🎶🎤 Nolan's Mom, Jennifer, thanks each WishMaker for supporting Nolan in his hardest moments - from the poster makers and set-up crew to Nolan's bandmates. “I was amazed by all the people that came together. My community just coming around us and doing all of this out of the goodness of their hearts ... it really, honestly, was the beginning of us coming out of our shell after a long medical journey.” Now, every time Nolan blasts his favorite jams, he is reminded of the powerful memories of his wish, created by the kindness and effort of his WishMakers who rallied around him. 💙 Rock, on Nolan! ✨🎸

World Wish Month is off to a great start thanks to our incredible community of WishMakers!

Todd is a life-long musician. So, when his wife, Maria – who is a Make-A-Wish volunteer – asked him to help grant Nolan’s wish to be in a rock band, Todd was amped-up by the opportunity! Ready to rock and roll, Todd rallied other local musicians to give Nolan the gig of a lifetime. 🎸🌟 “I’m no more special than anybody else, but I had that little bit of a gift I could give … It made all of our lives that much more rich.” Todd’s experience is a testament that, regardless of what you can offer, there’s a meaningful role for you at Make-A-Wish. 💙 Become a WishMaker: wishmaker.org

Meet Nolan – at just 4 years old, he was diagnosed with leukemia, beginning a long journey of treatments and isolation. To help him cope, his mom, Jennifer, took him for daily car rides – where he found comfort in the sound of rock music. For two years, Nolan bravely faced chemotherapy, drawing strength from the songs that became his escape. 🎸🎶 Children facing critical illnesses endure so much, but they don’t have to do it alone. You can bring hope to children like Nolan by becoming a WishMaker today: wishmaker.org 💙 P.S. Keep an eye out for more about Nolan’s Wish Journey this week!

What is a WishMaker? It’s anyone who takes action for wish kids – replacing sadness with joy, anxiety with hope and fear with confidence. That can be you! 🌟 This World Wish Month, we’re recruiting the next generation of WishMakers – volunteers, fundraisers, donors, partners and other supporters – to create life-changing wishes for children fighting critical illnesses. Because as long as children face this devastating reality, they’ll be counting on WishMakers like you to give them the hope and strength they need to fight. 💙 All it takes to make wishes come true, is YOU! Learn more about becoming a WishMaker and join us this April: wishmaker.org #WishMakersWanted

Doctors make wishes come true, too! We are incredibly grateful for our medical partners who go beyond the physical care to support children in their wish journeys. By referring children fighting critical illnesses for a wish, they help provide much-needed relief, replacing feelings of trauma with hope for tomorrow. 💙 Happy #NationalDoctorsDay! 🌟

We are incredibly grateful for our friends at Red Robin, for achieving a momentous milestone, raising over $2 million in just two years of working together to help grant life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses. It’s through rewarding corporate partnerships like these that we’re able to not only spread hope, but create a long-lasting impact for wish kids like Luli and Abraham across the country. Thank you, Red Robin, we are excited to spark even more joy through our transformative work—together! 🍔💙

Wishes like Javier’s remind us of the power of adventure to inspire hope, spark new beginnings and create lifelong memories. 💙 As he neared the end of his cancer treatments, Javier knew his wish was an opportunity to reclaim a piece of childhood and regain a sense of control over his future. With every hike, paddle and breathtaking view through the Redwood Forest, Javier felt free to just be a kid again, and empowered to lead a life filled with excitement and adventure. 🌲🛶☀️ “[His wish] provided us all with a reset button, marking the next chapter in his life where cancer isn't the focus. We are going to move forward and live life to the fullest.” – Analelli, Javier’s mom

When Addie was diagnosed with cancer, the hardest part wasn’t just the treatments, it was the loneliness. While her friends enjoyed summer break, she was undergoing chemotherapy, longing for connection with others who truly understood. That need for community became the inspiration for her wish. 💙 With the help of Make-A-Wish, Addie created Teens Against Cancer – a special event bringing peers together to share their experiences and find support. From care bags to a wig station and crafts, the event provided a safe space for those facing similar cancer journeys. More than just a one-day event, Addie’s wish continues to live on, creating a long-standing support network that uplifts and empowers teens fighting cancer. Now in remission and preparing to graduate high school, Addie’s journey has inspired her to pursue a future in nonprofit work – continuing to make an impact for others. 💫

We feel lucky every day because of the incredible WishMakers in our community! 🍀 Your support ensures wish kids have the hope, joy and strength they need to fight their critical illness. 💙