The Community’s Role in Healing Wishes
Wishes don’t just impact the children and their families; they ripple out into the community, fostering a sense of togetherness and support during difficult times.
When a child faces a serious illness, it often leaves the community feeling helpless. However, organizations like Make-A-Wish empower everyone to play a role in the healing journey. Take the example of Molly, a wish kid diagnosed with leukemia. When her wish to visit Disney was revealed, her entire community came together, celebrating not just her wish but also the support they had offered throughout her illness.
The collective joy felt during such moments can significantly aid in the healing process.
Dr. Jeremy Friedman, Associate Paediatrician-in-Chief at SickKids hospital in Toronto and Medical Advisor for Make-A-Wish Canada, declares that that referring a child for a wish is one of the best prescriptions he can write. The emotional and physical benefits of a wish extend beyond the child, creating a supportive environment for the family and the community.
Healing can take many forms – be it emotional relief, physical pain reduction, or community solidarity. As Abu, the father of wish kid Jacob, noted, “Our wish trip was a great kind of healing.”
Through every wish granted, we witness healing not just for the child, but for families and communities alike. The stories are unique, but the underlying message remains the same: wishes have the power to heal.
Learn more about how a wish can be a transformative point in a child’s health journey.