The Power of the Wish
For the past two years, doctors have been studying long term impacts of a Wish. They studied Wish Kids and a control group with similar illnesses. The results show that after a Wish, the Wish Kids have, on average, fewer hospitalization visits, fewer ER visits, and lower healthcare costs! This is referred to as the “Power of the Wish,” and is also what triggered the idea for this video.
Make-A-Wish believes that a Wish experience can truly change a child’s life who suffers from a critical illness. They go above and beyond and exceed the expectations of every single Wish Kid. These children discover a newfound courage to cope with medical treatments and families feel more optimistic, which directly impacts the overall well-being of the child. But it doesn’t stop there. The impact of each wish goes far beyond the child, it impacts the volunteers, donors, sponsors, medical professionals and communities.
The Video
The goal of the video is to spread awareness and allow Make-A-Wish New Mexico to provide more children with this wonderful opportunity through Wish donations. We interviewed five Wish Kids and their families effected by a critical illness. They discussed their hardships and the toll it has taken on their families, both emotionally and physically.
Then the families and the children shared with us their Wish and the experience they had when it was granted… And WOW, did their faces light up! The Wish had such an incredible impact on each of the children, literally changing their lives. Even if the Wish Kids cannot beat the illness, it gives them something to look forward to, and something their families can hold on to.
What an emotional and humbling day for all of us.
While the video played during the Starry Night Fundraising event, attendees eyes filled with tears. Our video was just one part of a night full of shared stories and experiences that left the entire room deeply moved and inspired. Our goal to tug at the supporters’ heart strings seemed to work, because donations began flooding in. At last year’s fundraiser, Make-A-Wish raised $8,587. By the end of this year’s event, more than $15,430 was raised – money that grants even more wishes for even more New Mexico children!!!
We would like to thank the kids and their families for sharing their stories. Allie, Brooklyn, Daniel, and Emma, we applaud you and your families for your bravery in your journeys, and we wish for the best. We would like to extend a special thank you to Kathy, as well, for sharing her story about her late daughter Sharon.
If you are interested in learning more about Make-A-Wish or would like to make a donation, please visit http://newmexico.wish.org/