As a parent, I know how busy this season can be. I’m writing to you about my child, so I hope you’ll keep reading. My family was shattered when my daughter, Vera, was diagnosed with a critical respiratory and digestive disorder that ultimately led to the collapse of her pancreas and landed her with an intense daily medical routine. 

For a while, her daily struggles felt overwhelming and her future was uncertain. But then Make-A-Wish^® entered her life … our lives, thanks to people like you.

From the moment she was diagnosed, all I could think was not another doctor visit, not again.

Vera was born full of love, full of life and pretty much unstoppable. So although her diagnosis came quite early, it’s no surprise that her resilience shines through – even during her twice-daily nebulizer treatments, intense medicine schedule and frequent doctor visits. Oftentimes, we are still woken up at 2 a.m. because her blood sugar is dangerously low or her night feed pump is jammed and she’s not getting the nutrition she needs.  

But she’s been a different little girl since her wish day – her baking station is a safe place for her to put doctors and needles out of her mind, focus on feeding the people she loves and find the joy in every moment. It’s a good lesson for us grown-ups, too. Will you start by helping to grant another child’s wish right now?

When your child is sick, you feel the burden of it. And you know your child feels that burden even more. Make-A-Wish and people like you helped relieve that burden by making my Vera’s wish come true.

Make-A-Wish is such a pure organization. Every step of Vera’s wish was over-the-top special – so unique and personal. She really felt seen and loved for who she is. And to be able to soothe and restore a kid who’s endured all Vera has? There’s nothing more worthy in the world. 

Your donations and Make-A-Wish have given Vera dignity, where she once felt like a diagnosis. Because her wish has made her feel like she’s “more than” a regular kid instead of “less than” one. 

But for every wish granted, two more kids like Vera are still waiting. We’re currently able to serve 62% of eligible children, with your help. And for wish kids fighting critical illnesses, time is not always on their side. Please give to help more of these waiting wishes come true. You won’t just make a kid’s day. You’ll change a kid’s life.

Wishfully,

Vera’s mom, Julie