How Wishes Uplift Children with Critical Illnesses
At Make-A-Wish Canada, we witness firsthand the devastating impact a critical illness has on a child’s entire world. Beyond the physical symptoms and medical treatments, wish kids often experience deep emotional struggles—trauma, fear, apprehension, and sadness—as they navigate the uncertainty of their condition. Their sense of safety is shaken, their routines are disrupted, and their childhood is put on pause.
This is where a wish makes all the difference.
When a child hears the words, “Your wish is coming true,” something transformative begins. A wish becomes a light in the darkness, a reason to keep going, and a chance to imagine a future beyond illness. It provides a break from hospital visits and medical routines, and opens the door to empowerment, imagination, and possibility.
The impact is clear:
- 95% of critically ill children who received a wish said it improved their well-being and helped them overcome feelings of sadness.
- 9 out of 10 wish parents observed improvements in their child’s emotional well-being following the wish experience.
- 98% of medical providers reported that wishes help children emotionally.
These aren’t just numbers—they represent real children rediscovering their joy, reclaiming their confidence, and feeling hopeful again.
Every day, more children are diagnosed with critical illnesses—and more childhoods are put on pause. With your help, we can give these kids something powerful: a reason to hope, to dream, and to believe in a future beyond illness.
