Make-A-Wish America

When Asher was diagnosed with cancer, his life became filled with hospital stays, treatments and missed moments at home with his two brothers. But through it all, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse brought him comfort during his toughest days. When it came time to choose his wish, Asher knew exactly what he wanted: to give Mickey Mouse a big hug. 🤗  Asher’s wish at Walt Disney World was more than just a joyful moment, it was a turning point in his medical journey.    Today, Asher is done with treatment and has graduated from preschool! 🌟🎓 Congratulations to Asher and to all our graduates this year!    Thank you, The Walt Disney Company for helping bring joy to wish kids like Asher. ☺️ wish.org/disney Make-A-Wish Oregon

✨ Owen Gray: From GameDay to Starblazer ✨ In 2018, Owen wished to be a celebrity guest picker on ESPN’s College GameDay, where he got to call the plays, share the spotlight with his favorite sports personalities and experience the thrill of live sports broadcasting firsthand! The experience showed the power of confidence in the face of the challenges of his genetic disorder, giving him the courage to dream bigger than ever before. Today, Owen is a 2025 Monty Starblazer Award honoree, recognized for turning his wish into lasting impact. That experience inspired his career in sports broadcasting, leading to opportunities with College GameDay, CBS Sports, Fox Sports and other media outlets. His wish also continues to inspire his volunteer and philanthropic work with Make-A-Wish, the Marfan Foundation, the Isaiah Austin Foundation and Mike Barber Prison Ministries. From fundraising and filming Make-A-Wish events to mentoring and giving back in his community, Owen is a powerful example of how one wish can ignite purpose and opportunity. Thanks to the Montgomery family, whose love for wish kids and Monty Montgomery’s enduring spirit inspired the Monty Starblazer Award, stories like Owen’s carry forward resilience and the joy of giving back. 💙 Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana

At Make-A-Wish, we believe that a child’s emotional well-being is integral in their physical fight against a critical illness. Research shows that wishes have a positive impact on the emotional well-being of wish kids, their families and those involved in a wish. With the hope of a wish, children with critical illnesses discover renewed optimism for brighter days ahead. Like Johanna, whose wish to go on a beach vacation reunited her with her loved ones and lifted her spirits.    “Make-A-Wish came into our lives to make us joyful in the middle of the storm … Thank you for giving my daughter a chance to feel alive again.” – Karla, Johanna’s mom 💙  Make-A-Wish Michigan

Wish kid Pua is an aspiring videographer who loves filming and video editing. For her wish, she received her own professional videography equipment – helping her pursue what she loves and chase her future goals. 📹 ✨    “We felt like we could breathe again, seeing her so happy.” – Pua’s mom, Ellen 🤗    This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re honoring how wishes like Pua’s help wish kids explore their passions. 💙 Make-A-Wish Hawaii

An unforgettable celebration on the Wheel Of Fortune stage ✨ Last month, Wheel of Fortune received the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award for its dedication to wish kids like 2025 alum Angel, who helped present the honor. To celebrate this recognition and  World Wish Month, Wheel of Fortune, Make-A-Wish, and eBay launched the WishMaker Auction, featuring exclusive memorabilia even including a custom tote designed by wish alum Angel. From a sweet reunion with Vanna White to the auction's incredible impact, this month highlighted how powerful partnerships create lifelong memories for wish kids. 🌟

Good Neighbor Day is a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a life-changing impact.💙 Our mission is only possible because of WishMakers who show up for one another through generosity, compassion and the belief that a wish can change everything. This year, America250 is coordinating the largest volunteer effort in U.S. history leading up to America’s 250th birthday. Today, we’re celebrating the volunteers, supporters and WishMakers who help bring comfort, resilience and unforgettable moments for children battling critical illnesses every single day. Looking for a way to give back this Good Neighbor Day? Become a volunteer or WishMaker and help create life-changing experiences for children and families in your community.✨ https://wish.org/volunteer #GoodNeighborDay

We’re thrilled to welcome two visionary leaders to our national board of directors. Thomas Mazloum, Chairman of Disney Experiences and Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International are joining Make-A-Wish America and bringing decades of expertise creating meaningful, joy-filled experiences for families around the world. Their leadership will help us continue to scale our impact as we work to deliver hope, strength and joy to even more children with critical illnesses. We’re grateful for their shared commitment to making life-changing wishes possible. Learn more about this exciting update: a.wish.org/new-board-26

✨ David Klafter: Finding Silver Linings, Living as a Starblazer ✨ In 1989, David was a 17-year-old facing leukemia when his wish to meet the President of the United States was granted. What stays with him most isn’t just the moment itself, it’s how that wish brought his family together and restored a sense of joy. David describes being a wish alum as one of the greatest honors and memories in his life, calling Make-A-Wish the “silver lining” in his medical journey. Today, David is one of our six inaugural Make-A-Wish Starblazer Award honorees, recognized with the John Dawson Foundation Starblazer Award for transforming his experience into a lifetime of service. David has helped grant over 100 wishes since 1999, volunteered alongside multiple chapters and supported Make-A-Wish financially, and volunteers weekly at the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center – offering warm blankets, snacks and encouragement to patients as they await treatment. Through two cancer diagnoses and a distinguished career in securities regulation, he has never stopped showing up for others. His story reflects the enduring power of a wish and how one moment of hope can grow into decades of compassion and purpose. Thanks to the John Dawson Foundation and Mr. John Dawson’s enduring legacy, wishes like David’s keep shaping lives, encouraging generosity and creating moments that truly last. 💙 Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley

For International Nurses Day, we celebrate the nurses and medical providers who bring hope, strength and comfort to children with critical illnesses like Roslyn. 🩺     During her cancer treatment, Roslyn developed a close bond with her hospital care team, inspiring her heartfelt wish to bake them cakes. 🎂 “Most of the time, she would look forward to going [to the hospital],” said her dad, Eric. “She’d say, ‘I get to see my nurses!’”     To nurses around the world: thank you for the compassionate care you give to wish kids like Roslyn. 💙  Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana

Wish mom Lindy spent years referring her patients to Make-A-Wish as a pediatric nurse – never imagining her son, Easton, would one day receive a wish. Their lives changed in an instant when Easton was diagnosed with cancer. After grueling rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, Easton completed his final treatment – a milestone he and his family will never forget. Soon after, his wish to go to Hawaii with his family came true, where the sun and surfing helped restore his confidence and joy. 🌊🌴    This National Nurses Week, we thank nurses like Lindy, whose care and compassion for wish kids like Easton extend into life-changing moments of hope and joy. 💙🩺  Make-A-Wish® Arizona   Donate in honor of a nurse who has inspired you: wish.org