WISHES ARE MEDICINE
See how a prescribed wish is a powerful part of a child’s treatment journey, bringing strength and resilience to children with critical illnesses.
1,619 KIDS WITH CANCER ARE WAITING FOR A WISH
Nearly half of all wishes Make-A-Wish Canada grants support wish kids with cancer, and right now, 1,619 of them are waiting.
A wish is not just a nice-to-have. Doctors say it is a critical part of the treatment journey, interrupting the trauma of cancer care, restoring hope, and building the resilience wish kids need to keep fighting. This month, your donation is matched 2X. Help deliver a wish prescription to a child who needs it most.
HOW WISHES ARE MEDICINE
When a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, life can quickly become defined by hospital visits, treatments, and uncertainty. A wish gives something illness often takes away: a moment of choice and control. That choice helps families focus on possibility instead of illness.
Research shows that hope and optimism—like the kind a wish creates—can lower stress hormones such as cortisol and support a child’s overall well-being during their treatment journey. Wishes Are Medicine.
REAL KIDS, REAL IMPACT
OUR RESEARCH
1.9X
Kids who receive a wish are 1.9x less likely to need the ER
100%
of doctors believe a wish is a turning point in a child’s treatment journey
2.5X
Kids who receive a wish are 2.5x less likely to have an unplanned hospital visit
WHY WISHES MATTER IN A CHILD’S TREATMENT JOURNEY
Dr. Sarah Dyack, a medical geneticist, explains how a wish can do something traditional medicine alone can’t.
HELP FILL LIFE-CHANGING PRESCRIPTIONS
Wishes Are Medicine, and your gift today will help fill more prescriptions for sick children across Canada.
Statistics are based on research conducted by Make-A-Wish, including survey results from wish kids, wish alumni, wish parents, and medical professionals.
