By the time Matthew woke up on the morning of his wish day, so much had already happened to bring him to that moment.

He was born with a rare genetic disorder that has caused skeletal abnormalities and paralysis, mental disabilities and reduced function of his heart, lungs, liver and spleen. As a newborn, doctors told his parents that he might not even make it through the night, and he’s been in and out of the hospital since he was two and a half years old. 

Because of hospital restrictions, his family hadn’t all been in a room together in more than three years. Most of Matthew’s interactions with his loved ones, limited to one visitor at a time, had been through a phone screen – leaving him incredibly isolated.

That's when Matthew was referred to Make-A-Wish^®, and his wish journey officially kicked off. When we visited him to find out what he wanted to wish for, all he wanted was connection – to see and feel everyone in his support system. That’s when it all fell into place: We would bring all of his loved ones together to celebrate his upcoming birthday.

We found out that Matthew loves New York City, so this wouldn’t be just any old party. It would be a black-tie formal affair that brings the city to him. Our team got to work meticulously planning with his medical team and the hospital, as well as gathering a group of volunteers who would help pull off the big day.

It was the generosity of supporters like you that brought everything together and gave Matthew the party of his dreams. This community helped fund a formal dinner, a DJ, a photobooth and plenty of decorations. When Matthew entered the room filled with his family, friends and hospital volunteers to his favorite song about New York, and dressed to the nines, it was pure joy and love.

Each wish takes an incredible amount of planning, volunteers and, most importantly, support from caring people like you. You are the crucial piece to the puzzle that makes it possible to give kids the fullest wish experience – and the hope, strength and joy that come with it.

So please, with thousands of other kids just like Matthew waiting for their own wish to come true, will you make a donation today? Any amount will go a long way toward funding more decorations, more party supplies and more life-changing experiences for children fighting critical illness.

Thank you so much,

Adam Faircloth
Chief Integrated Fundraising Officer
Make-A-Wish