Make-A-Wish Illinois

Cali has faced so much since being diagnoses with Sickle Cell, but through it all, her family has been right by her side. After a bone marrow transplant from her little sister Reign, Cali finally got to focus on doing something other than doctors appointments.
Obsessed with swimming, she wished to meet Ariel. And her wish became a celebration for their whole family, filled with their favorite characters, first roller coasters and quality time together.
“Every single day was filled with so much wonder and laughter and awe,” her mom shared, and for Cali, it was a chance to just be a kid again. 💙

Rebecca knows firsthand what a wish can mean. As a wish alum, her experience stayed with her, and years later, it led her back as a volunteer, giving that same sense of joy and support to other families.
For the past three years, Rebecca has guided wish kids through every step of their journey while also mentoring new volunteers and supporting events like Wish Ball.
“The connections I get to build with wish kids and their families are so near and dear to my heart,” she shares.
Recently, Rebecca was honored with our Power of the Wish Award, recognizing the care and intention she brings to every child she supports.
We’re so grateful for WishMakers like Rebecca, who show up for wish kids and families every day. 💙

The incredible WishMakers at GATX recently came together to assemble 6 wish boost baskets for kids who are currently waiting for their wishes.
Because of their generosity and teamwork kids, like Raekwon and Azariah, will feel a little extra hope, encouragement and anticipation while waiting for their wish day.
Thank you, GATX, for continuing to make a meaningful impact in the lives of wish kids!

✨ Where Are You Now?✨ LaSaundra’s wish gave her the chance to experience something she otherwise wouldn’t have, traveling to Disney World, meeting princesses, and sharing those moments with her family. After her wish, she went on to speak about her wish experience with WishMakers fundraising to grant more wishes like hers.

Today, she’s a college student pursuing a degree in music education and she still holds onto those memories of her wish trip to Disney World. They remind her of the confidence and sense of community she’s built along the way, something that continues to shape who she is and where she’s going.

Salome is a sweet seven‑year‑old girl who loves reading picture books, dancing, and playing on the swings. While she enjoys many Disney shows, Bluey is her absolute favorite, and she even has a playhouse that looks just like the Heeler family’s home! Salome also bravely faces a nervous system disorder. It took some time to figure out the perfect wish, until Salome saw an ad for the limited‑time Bluey experience in Chicago. When her wish day arrived, she got to run around a life‑sized version of the Heeler house and even meet Bluey and Bingo!

When Keila was diagnosed with leukemia, life took an unexpected turn for her and her family. Treatment for leukemia can bring many limitations, and for an energetic kid like Keila, the restrictions were especially tough.
During treatment, Keila’s family heard about Make-A-Wish Illinois. When Keila got to choose her wish, she landed on the Bahamas, where she could soak up the sun and experience new adventures.
Keila’s family arrived at the Atlantis resort in Nassau where they enjoyed many activities and even swam with dolphins! After the wish, Keila's dad shared: "She kept asking me, ‘Daddy, am I dreaming?’ every single day.”

At just 9 years old, Ellen was navigating the challenges of a complex autoimmune diagnosis. Between doctors appointments and treatments, it felt like her childhood was on hold.

For Ellen, her wish to meet the cast of Good Morning America wasn’t just about the cameras and the stars, it was about reclaiming her life. "The wish process, from start to finish, was the first time in months I got to see adults putting my desires first," Ellen says. "My only job was to have fun."

Today, Ellen is 32 and still spends her days at the hospital but now as a hematology nurse at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Whether she’s hiking glaciers, white-water rafting, or caring for her patients, she carries the joy of her wish with her.
"I think about my wish all the time," she says. "It’s one of my core joyous memories."

Some races are measured in miles. Others are measured in moments of strength 💙
Kids facing critical illness are already running a marathon of their own. Join Team Make-A-Wish Illinois at the Life Time Half Marathon and run alongside them to help create a moment of hope and joy when they need it most.
It’s not about pace. It’s about purpose and if that’s what you’re looking for, we’d love to have you.
Join our team at wish.org/illinois/half26

We’re celebrating 40 years of wishes in the sweetest way 🍦✨
All June long, enjoy a Birthday Shake at JoJo’s Shake Bar River North or JoJo's Shake Bar Naperville and $1 from every shake will help grant wishes for kids right here in Illinois 💙 Every sip brings us closer to making life-changing wishes come true.
Who are you going with? 🎉

When Anna’s wish to visit Walt Disney World was granted in 1999, she was just three years old. While she was young, the impact of that experience has stayed with her and her family for decades.
“It made me want to give back as a thank you to those who gave to me,” Anna shared.
That impact stayed with her. Anna later interned with Make-A-Wish Illinois and now works in pediatric research at Lurie Children’s continuing to support kids facing illnesses.
Her wish created lasting memories, a sense of joy in the darkness and meaningful connections that still impact her life today.