Hilversum, November 5, 2024 – This holiday season, Make-A-Wish International proudly launches the “Unwrap the Power of a Wish” campaign, a global initiative to bring joy and hope to children diagnosed with critical illnesses. For children and families navigating the challenges of illness, the festive season can be difficult, and this campaign seeks to remind them that they are not alone.
This holiday season, more than 200,000 children will be diagnosed with a critical illness and become eligible for a wish across Make-A-Wish Affiliate countries and territories. For these children, a wish is more than just a day of fun—it’s a transformative experience that restores childhood, creates joy, and strengthens family bonds. Through “Unwrap the Power of a Wish,” Make-A-Wish International is committed to reaching even more of these children, especially during the holiday season.
“The holiday season should be filled with joy and togetherness, but for children facing critical illnesses and their families, it can be an especially difficult time. A wish has the power to bring hope and light back into their lives. Every donation to Make-A-Wish helps us deliver that spark of joy when it matters most,” said Luciano Manzo, CEO of Make-A-Wish International.
One such inspiring story is that of Jasper, a five-year-old from New Zealand who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2023. After five months in the hospital and the toll of ongoing treatments, Jasper, who had loved steam trains since he was little, wished to drive one. On the day of his wish, Jasper and his family toured the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and were surprised by a real steam train waiting just for him. He rode up front, blew the whistle, and shared a magical experience with his family—a moment of joy that showed how far he had come since his diagnosis.
In conjunction with the campaign, Make-A-Wish International is also sharing impactful new research from their “Theory of Change” initiative. The findings reveal that 92% of children who experienced a wish reported improved well-being, with 90% saying it helped them to feel optimistic about the future. The survey further showed that 98% of wish children and their parents or guardians believe every child with a critical illness should have a wish experience. For families, 93% of parents reported strengthened family bonds, and 90% felt the wish provided much-needed respite.
Since its founding, Make-A-Wish has granted over 585,000 wishes across nearly 50 countries. This campaign aims to make more dreams come true and ensure every eligible child can experience the power of a wish. Contributions to “Unwrap the Power of a Wish” can be made at worldwish.org, and supporters are encouraged to share the campaign on social media using #UnwrapThePowerOfAWish to inspire others to join.“Unwrap the Power of a Wish” is more than a campaign—it’s a movement of hope, resilience, and community. This holiday season, Make-A-Wish International invites you to help make a difference.For more information on the campaign or how to get involved, please visit worldwish.org.
