Make-A-Wish Illinois

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Make-A-Wish Illinois

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
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08/22/2026

At just three years old, Landon face more challenges than most could imagine while battling cancer. In the midst of a hard time, his wish to visit Walt Disney World was the burst of happiness and joy he'd been missing.

Looking back 13 years later, Landon says that his wish showed him that "no matter how hard life can try to drag you down, you can always lift yourself back up stronger. Now Landon is 16 and is playing football for his highschool, is in the marching band, and working toward becoming an Eagle Scout.

His advice to other wish kids is: "No matter what’s happening to you on the inside, never let it effect you on the outside".

08/20/2026

In just 16 months as a Make-A-Wish Illinois volunteer, Kim has already made a lasting impact on wish children and families across her community.

From wish discovery to the wish day, Kim brings dedication, compassion, and positivity to every family she meets. Her commitment to making a difference is why she was awarded this year's Rising Star Award, recognizing volunteers who go above and beyond in their first two years of service.

"Seeing them get joy in the smallest things is so fulfilling," Kim shares.

Read more about Kim's volunteer journey here, https://wish.org/illinois/kim-bradshaw-oswego

08/16/2026

A wish can create a lifetime of impact. ⭐
The Make-A-Wish America Starblazer Awards celebrate wish alumni who are using their wish experiences to inspire change and make a difference in Illinois and beyond.
The impact of a wish doesn’t end when the wish journey is complete. It lives through the people who carry that hope forward and use it to create something meaningful for others.
Know a wish alum whose story continues to inspire? Nominate them by August 23. 💙https://wish.org/starblazer

08/14/2026

✨ Where Are You Now ✨ When Aydin was facing cancer and the challenges of treatment, his wish to visit Walt Disney World gave him and his family something they desperately needed: time to laugh, have fun, and make memories together.

"It reminded us how to laugh and have fun again. Aydin is so proud to be a wish kid."

For Aydin's family, the impact didn't end when the trip was over.

"When we returned, my heart was full. I look back at pictures all the time. I can see in their faces that we created memories that will last a lifetime."

Today, Aydin is 11 years old, starting 6th grade, and in remission. He's thriving, and his wish remains a bright chapter in his story and a reminder of the power of hope, joy, and togetherness during difficult times.

08/13/2026

At just 6 months old, wish alum Olivia was diagnosed with an enlarged heart. After four months in the hospital, she was finally discharged just before her first birthday – and later that fall, she received a life-saving heart transplant.

After hearing her cardiologist share stories from a recent safari, Olivia knew she wanted to one day see elephants in the wild. Her wish gave her something exciting to look forward to, and once she regained her strength, she took off on her African safari adventure. 🐘

“When that first elephant came up … she lit up. I was just really overcome with joy to see her in that moment. She was not afraid; she was in awe. I don’t think I will ever forget the beauty of that moment and seeing her wish come true, for her to just come alive. It was energizing and transformative.” – Schonay, Olivia’s mom 💙

This year marks nearly 21 years since her heart transplant, and her mom says her wish continues to give her the courage to face what’s ahead. “Olivia can always look back and say, ‘If I walked an elephant around, I can do this next procedure.’”

08/11/2026

🎙️ New episode of Beyond The Wish is out now!

After hearing Andrew's perspective in Part 1, guest host Kayla sits down with wish kid Mara to hear her side of the wish journey. Mara reflects on her own wish journey and shares what it was like to support her brother through his, offering a unique perspective on the impact of a wish within one family.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

08/09/2026

When Jesse first saw his tree house, he was amazed by every detail. It went beyond his expectations of a treehouse and felt more like a mini home, built especially for him! Jesse has made the space his own, filling it with photos, furniture, games, and toys.
Jesse's mom said that his treehouse has become "a space he can escape to and just be a kid, without worrying about anything else that may be going on".

08/07/2026

✨ Where Are You Now✨ Krish is a devoted football fan but after being diagnoses with a heart condition that forced him to step away from playing sports he loved, but it didn't stop is love of the game. His wish to attend the College Football Playoff National Championship Game alongside his family was unforgettable.

Years later, the impact of that wish continues to ripple far beyond the game itself. Krish and his family have become dedicated Make-A-Wish volunteers, helping create life-changing experiences for other children and families. You can find his family at almost every Make-A-Wish Illinois event with a smile as they continue to wish it forward.

Earlier this year, Krish shared his wish story at I Wish To Party. His story inspired extraordinary generosity from attendees, raising more that $40,000 in just for minutes to help grant more wishes for children facing critical illnesses.

What began as a wish to experience a championship football game has grown into years of giving back, ensuring more children can discover the hope, joy, and lasting impact of a wish come true.

08/06/2026

TONIGHT at 8/7c on ABC, watch WishMaker Wayne Brady and Team Wayne compete for Make-A-Wish America on Celebrity Family Feud.

Tune in as Team Wayne takes on Team Chris O’Donnell for the chance at a prize that supports life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. ⭐ 💙

08/04/2026

🎙️ New Episode🎙
On this episode of Beyond The Wish, guest host Laurie Honza sits down with wish dad Andrew Herrington-Gilmore.

Andrew has had the unique experience of navigating the wish journey with both of his children, Mara and Jay. In this episode, he reflects on two different medical journeys, two wishes, and the lasting impact those experiences have had on their family.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Address

200 W Monroe Street, Suite 1801
Chicago, IL
60606

Telephone

+18009789474

Website

http://wish.org/illinois

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