What We Do

The Make-A-Wish® Foundation fulfills the wishes of children battling life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. In fulfilling a child’s favorite wish, Make-A-Wish® strives to:

Instill strength and hope for the future; Give the child something to look forward to during a seemingly futile period; Allow the family and child to be a “regular” family spending time together; Equip a child with the emotional fuel to endure a difficult experience. With the help of supporters like you, the Illinois chapter has fulfilled an amazing 6,400 wishes since 1985.

Our Goal Research informs us that there are children in our community battling life-threatening medical conditions who have not yet experienced the power of a wish. Therefore, we have made it our goal for 2006 to fulfill the favorite wishes of over 600 children at an average out-of-pocket cost of $5,000 per wish. A child is waiting for his or her wish to become a reality, and you can help to make that happen.

Our Funding

Make-A-Wish® receives no federal funding. Wishes are made possible by private donations by companies and individuals in the community. Of the money raised, more than 80% goes toward the wishes of the children. All of all funds raised stay in Illinois to grant wishes of local children.

Wishes

Nearly 50% of Make-A-Wish® children choose to visit Disney World. Another popular wish is to go to Hawaii to swim with the dolphins. Computer wishes, shopping spree wishes and celebrity visits are also common.