Make-A-Wish Illinois

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Make-A-Wish Illinois

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
(266)

08/29/2026

✨ Where Are You Now✨ When Riley was just five months old, he started having seizures. Diagnosed with epilepsy and another rare disease, his parents keep very busy making sure Riley reached all his hospital and therapy appointments while keeping up with his three very active siblings.
He loves to be outside with his family, but is his condition makes it challenging for him to do so. His wish for a screened gazebo was a place of joy for him and a place for the family to hang out together, decorated with colored lights and swing just for him.
Now, every morning when they look at the gazebo, they are reminded of all the time they have been able to spend together outside as a family. Years later, Riley and his family get to relive and enjoy his wish. Reminiscing on Riley's wish journey his mom shared, "We love everything about Make-A-Wish. The whole process was beautiful, everything and everyone was awesome!"

08/27/2026

Since being diagnosed with congenital muscular dystrophy and epilepsy, Darcie has been keeping up with an exhausting schedule of appointments, treatments, and therapies. At one of those appointments, a social worker introduced her family to Make-A-Wish.

During her wish, Darcie got a break from having to worry about her medical care and just be a kid. At Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, she met her favorite Disney characters, danced at a luau and spent plenty of time floating down the lazy river. Darcie spent five unforgettable days making memories with her family and leaving worries behind thanks to an incredible community of WishMakers.

“She was happy and carefree for once and smiled from ear to ear the entire time,” her mom shared.

08/25/2026

With full hair and makeup, Natalie felt like a star as she strutted across Michigan Avenue. Bystanders even thought she was a professional model. Natalie felt miles away from the diagnosis that led her to be there.
When she was 17, a ruptured liver mass turned out to be cancer. Emergency surgery followed by chemotherapy has helped her regain her health.
Natalie was in awe by how many people came together to make her day special, she was especially surprised to find out that the photographer that day had also had a wish.
“I am more than my illness,” Natalie said about why her wish was important. “It showed me how I can be strong and successful.”
Inspired to help others, Natalie now works as an emergency medical technician while studying to become a nurse.

08/22/2026

At just three years old, Landon face more challenges than most could imagine while battling cancer. In the midst of a hard time, his wish to visit Walt Disney World was the burst of happiness and joy he'd been missing.

Looking back 13 years later, Landon says that his wish showed him that "no matter how hard life can try to drag you down, you can always lift yourself back up stronger. Now Landon is 16 and is playing football for his highschool, is in the marching band, and working toward becoming an Eagle Scout.

His advice to other wish kids is: "No matter what’s happening to you on the inside, never let it effect you on the outside".

08/20/2026

In just 16 months as a Make-A-Wish Illinois volunteer, Kim has already made a lasting impact on wish children and families across her community.

From wish discovery to the wish day, Kim brings dedication, compassion, and positivity to every family she meets. Her commitment to making a difference is why she was awarded this year's Rising Star Award, recognizing volunteers who go above and beyond in their first two years of service.

"Seeing them get joy in the smallest things is so fulfilling," Kim shares.

Read more about Kim's volunteer journey here, https://wish.org/illinois/kim-bradshaw-oswego

08/16/2026

A wish can create a lifetime of impact. ⭐
The Make-A-Wish America Starblazer Awards celebrate wish alumni who are using their wish experiences to inspire change and make a difference in Illinois and beyond.
The impact of a wish doesn’t end when the wish journey is complete. It lives through the people who carry that hope forward and use it to create something meaningful for others.
Know a wish alum whose story continues to inspire? Nominate them by August 23. 💙https://wish.org/starblazer

08/14/2026

✨ Where Are You Now ✨ When Aydin was facing cancer and the challenges of treatment, his wish to visit Walt Disney World gave him and his family something they desperately needed: time to laugh, have fun, and make memories together.

"It reminded us how to laugh and have fun again. Aydin is so proud to be a wish kid."

For Aydin's family, the impact didn't end when the trip was over.

"When we returned, my heart was full. I look back at pictures all the time. I can see in their faces that we created memories that will last a lifetime."

Today, Aydin is 11 years old, starting 6th grade, and in remission. He's thriving, and his wish remains a bright chapter in his story and a reminder of the power of hope, joy, and togetherness during difficult times.

08/13/2026

At just 6 months old, wish alum Olivia was diagnosed with an enlarged heart. After four months in the hospital, she was finally discharged just before her first birthday – and later that fall, she received a life-saving heart transplant.

After hearing her cardiologist share stories from a recent safari, Olivia knew she wanted to one day see elephants in the wild. Her wish gave her something exciting to look forward to, and once she regained her strength, she took off on her African safari adventure. 🐘

“When that first elephant came up … she lit up. I was just really overcome with joy to see her in that moment. She was not afraid; she was in awe. I don’t think I will ever forget the beauty of that moment and seeing her wish come true, for her to just come alive. It was energizing and transformative.” – Schonay, Olivia’s mom 💙

This year marks nearly 21 years since her heart transplant, and her mom says her wish continues to give her the courage to face what’s ahead. “Olivia can always look back and say, ‘If I walked an elephant around, I can do this next procedure.’”

08/11/2026

🎙️ New episode of Beyond The Wish is out now!

After hearing Andrew's perspective in Part 1, guest host Kayla sits down with wish kid Mara to hear her side of the wish journey. Mara reflects on her own wish journey and shares what it was like to support her brother through his, offering a unique perspective on the impact of a wish within one family.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

08/09/2026

When Jesse first saw his tree house, he was amazed by every detail. It went beyond his expectations of a treehouse and felt more like a mini home, built especially for him! Jesse has made the space his own, filling it with photos, furniture, games, and toys.
Jesse's mom said that his treehouse has become "a space he can escape to and just be a kid, without worrying about anything else that may be going on".

Address

200 W Monroe Street, Suite 1801
Chicago, IL
60606

Telephone

+18009789474

Website

http://wish.org/illinois

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