WISHES ARE MEDICINE
See how wishes are a powerful part of a child’s treatment journey, bringing strength and resilience to children with critical illnesses. This holiday season, help fill a life-changing prescription.
HOW WISHES ARE MEDICINE
When a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, life can feel defined by hospital visits, treatments, and uncertainty. Families would do anything to take away their child’s pain, but they can’t. A wish can improve health outcomes and give back something illness has taken away: joy, hope, and a sense of control.
A wish isn’t just a moment of happiness; it’s a powerful source of healing. Research shows that hope and optimism can lower stress hormones, such as cortisol, improve sleep, and even boost the body’s natural pain relievers, called endorphins. For many families, the wish experience marks a turning point in the treatment journey — a reminder that there’s still light, laughter, and life beyond illness.
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
REAL KIDS, REAL IMPACT
SHARE A DOSE OF HOPE
A few kind words can mean the world to a sick child. Share a message of encouragement this holiday season—it’s a simple way to deliver a dose of hope when it’s needed most. Plus, for each message you share, you’ll be entered for a chance to win $500 Visa gift card!
HELP FILL 4X THE PRESCRIPTIONS
Wishes Are Medicine, and your gift today will be MATCHED 4X to fill more prescriptions for sick children across Canada.
POWERED BY WISHES BACKED BY SCIENCE
Research shows that being prescribed a wish can improve a sick child’s adherence to treatment, reduce emergency room visits, and deliver lasting health benefits. Patients granted a wish were 2.5 times less likely to have an unplanned hospital visit and 1.9 times less likely to use the emergency department.
Statistics are based on research conducted by Make-A-Wish, including survey results from wish kids, wish alumni, wish parents, and medical professionals.
