Make A Wish Foundation

It wasn't until I took a tour of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's "Wishing Place" that I realized the truly incredible work this nonprofit organization does. Make-A-Wish is something we've all heard about through those "feel good" news stories, but it was a firsthand visit and a real understanding of the efforts that go on behind the scenes to make these children's dreams possible that finally opened my eyes. One of only five in the world, the "Wishing Place" is unique in that it creates a physical space for children to experience the Make-A-Wish mission of helping make their dreams a reality. Right when you walk in there is a Galaxy of Stars representing so many of the thousands of wishes they have helped come true. From there we proceeded into a wishing room. I went through the process that every child does when they are deciding what to wish for. It started with watching an informative and entertaining short video on how to wisely wish, then I went around the room and filled in my wishes, just as the children do, in the different categories - wishes to "go", to "have", to "see", and to "do." Make A Wish's incredibly dedicated volunteers then go to incredible lengths to make the child's favorite wish happen, whether it be a trip somewhere in the world, meeting someone they admire or having something they always wanted. I was surprised to find out that it's actually a common misconception that Make-A-Wish grants wishes only to terminally ill children. That was the case in the very beginning, but after finding out what a positive effect these wishes can have on a child's mental outlook and recovery, Make-A-Wish discovered so many children who were getting better despite their diagnosis. There is much more to the process, but it all amounts to one incredible mission: giving hope and support to children whom, through no fault of their own, face illness. It's a task that is handled with grace and positivity by their limited staff and team of tireless volunteers. I am making it a personal mission to support and praise this organization.

I was a recipient of a Make-A-Wish. At age 12 in 2000 I was diagnosed with ALL or Akuma Lymphoblastic Leukemia. A debilitating blood cancer. I was given very bad odds of surviving and started an aggressive experimental chemotherapy. At age 13 I received word that I was going to get a Make-A-Wish. My wish was just to go to Disneyland, as I live in northern California I thought it would be nice to be able to spend time with my family without thinking about treatment or being treated like fragile egg. They went above and beyond my wildest dreams. A trip to Disney world in Florida with a stay at a very special place specifically designed for disabled children so that I could do things as normally as possible, it was modeled after the Candy Land game and my stay there is one of my favorite memories about that trip. I got to be treated like a princess and made to feel special from the beginning when they picked us up in a limo to take us to the airport. I got a very memorable and priceless experience with my family that I wouldn't trade for anything. They were wonderful and gave a sick little girl something to look forward to and memories to hold on to during treatment. The volunteers have a heart breaking but very rewarding job and their dedication and caring show. Since my recovery I have volunteered with the Make-A-Wish foundation to help raise money and awareness to continue to support their goals and objectives.

Love Love Love Make A Wish Foundation!This is one of the three locations in the United States and families travel here!It's a wonderful program to help make kids (with a life threatening illness) wishes come true! The volunteers and staff are super nice.

I love the Make A Wish Foundation what a wonderful program to help our precious children who are not fortunate enough to experience life but for a short time and to be in the grip of death at such young ages. The Make A Wish Foundation strives to make the dreams of children come true to make them have a memorable time in their lives that will last for them an eternity!We loved being able to support the Make A Wish Foundation this year at the convention center serving a variety of gourmet foods to soooo many people coming together for the purpose of our children!Thank You Make A Wish for make childrens wishes come true

I had a friend growing up who was deathly ill, pretty much since birth. He was not supposed to live past 5 years old. I had the opportunity years later to watch him graduate high school. The Make a Wish Foundation was able to provide him his wish of meeting President George W. Bush. He has since passed, but he lived an incredible life and thanks to Make a Wish, he was able to do something that very few American's do.Thank you Make a Wish for making tough lives a little easier

Bravo for an amazing story you brought to San Francisco. Batboy has been an inspiration to everyone, and your organization made that happen. Keep making wishes come true!