Today, as you celebrate Mother’s Day with your loved ones, I’m asking you to think about all of the wish moms whose children have critical illnesses. The moms who are spending today by their child’s hospital bed – or who just heard their child’s heartbreaking diagnosis for the first time.

Because as a wish mom myself, I know all too well what those experiences are like.

In 2014, my 13-year-old son was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. My heart broke as I watched him hear the doctor explain how, because of the chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant that he’d have to receive, he’d need to spend the next year living in isolation with just his immediate family – and that he would be unable to start high school that fall.

Nothing prepares you as a mom to see your kid get that kind of devastating news – or go through that kind of difficult medical journey. So in honor of Mother’s Day, I’m asking you to join me in signing our card to send support, strength and love to wish moms. Will you add your name now?

I know that there are so many other moms out there going through exactly what my family went through – moms who are doing their very best today to stay brave and strong for their kids who are facing critical illnesses. That’s why I sought out an opportunity to work at Make-A-Wish®: to help give back, support other families and be part of making other wishes come true for kids like my son.

I’ve seen firsthand how this community has been there for the moms of kids like Bryce, Nia and James, whose wishes gave them the joy and strength they need growing up with critical illnesses.

So today, we’re gathering 3,000 signatures on a special Mother’s Day card for wish moms to send them comfort and let them know that they’re not alone – and that this community has their backs. We’re counting on you to add your name:

Please, will you sign our Mother’s Day card for wish moms now? It only takes a moment, and it will mean a lot.

I’m so thankful every day that I get to be part of Make-A-Wish and granting wishes for kids with critical illnesses. Thank you for all you do to make this work possible.

Jennifer Vargas
Make-A-Wish