While kids across the country shop for new school supplies, get excited to meet their teachers and eagerly wait to see their classmates again, thousands of kids with critical illnesses are spending time in the hospital or making trips to their next medical treatment. They may not be able to return to school. 

One of those kids is 14-year-old Kael, who is growing up with a blood disorder. He’s had to miss key parts of his childhood including school, parties and events due to his weekly blood transfusions.

But with the help of supporters like you, we were able to grant Kael’s wish to be an airline pilot – giving him an at-home flight simulator that takes him to a place filled only with blue skies, where his blood disorder doesn’t force him to miss out on things like school and time with his friends.

I've seen firsthand how this community has helped give kids like Kael the strength they need to persevere through their treatments – and a hope in brighter days ahead.

That's why we put together a special card for supporters like you to share your words of encouragement with wish kids who aren’t able to head back to school this year because of a critical illness. We're looking for 2,000 signers to add their names, and I want to make sure yours is included: 

Please, will you sign the card for wish kids who will be missing out on heading back to their classrooms for a new school year? Just one moment of your time will make all the difference.

I can't thank you enough for your support. 

Mary English Bell
Make-A-Wish^®