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Why We Are Essential

Wishes are full of fun and joy but the impact on sick children and families is much bigger than that. A wish is essential to improve the health outcomes of children with critical illnesses.

Wishes Are Treatment

A child living with critical illness faces life-altering, complex physical and health challenges along with overwhelming mental and emotional burdens. A wish can stir the strength and optimism that are crucial to fighting physical, emotional and psychological adversity. Wishes are treatment. They allow children to return to childhood, rediscover play, experience joy, and reconnect with family, friends, and community.

The wish allows children and families, for a moment in time, to focus on something that isn’t about illness and despair, and instead on something magical, joyful and positive
– Dr. Jeremy Friedman, Associate Paediatrician-in-Chief, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children / SickKids

Wishes Give Sick Children Strength

For 40 years Make-A-Wish Canada has given sick children and their families the strength they need to face critical illness by granting them a wish.

87%

of wish alumni said that the wish experience was a turning point in their treatment.

91%

of wish parents believe that the wish experience gave their children a better chance of surviving.

95%

of medical providers observed that wishes improve the emotional and physical health of children.

The Emotional Power of a Wish

A wish gives a sick child and their family the strength to face the devastating journey ahead of them. Wishes provide relief and hope, helping the family focus on something other than pain, fear and uncertainty.

I found out that my wish would be granted a few months into my 2 and a half years of chemotherapy treatment—it carried me through some pretty hard days.
– Wish kid Mikah

Childhood Critical Illness is Devastating

Childhood critical illnesses can take so much from a family. All the hope, joy and wonder of childhood is replaced by fear and loneliness.

89%

of wish alumni said that the wish experience made them feel more optimistic about their future.

90%

or more of medical providers said that wishes increase compliance with treatment.

89%

of wish parents said that the wish experience helped their family overcome traumatic experiences.

98%

of medical providers said they observed the wish experience helping children emotionally.

Every Child Must Be Granted a Wish

Every child facing a critical illness deserves the chance to have their wish granted, as it can be a source of immense strength and courage.