Make-A-Wish Illinois

Make-A-Wish Illinois Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
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10/11/2026

We are just one month away from Trees of Joy! Join us and bring joy to wish children and their families this holiday season.

When you adopt a tree, you will be matched with a wish child to create a one of a kind tree that matches their interests and imagination. At the event, you will reveal the tree to your wish kid and their family, hear their story and enjoy some holiday cheer. After the event, the trees are delivered to each family's home, where they can enjoy it for years to come.

Learn more at wish.org/illinois-63

10/10/2026

For Corbett, the greatest challenge wasn't understanding others. It was helping others understand him.

Because Corbett is non-speaking, he struggled to communicate with friends and family and often felt misunderstood. When asked what he wished for most, his answer was simple: he wanted the people he loved to understand him.

To grant his wish, “Camp Corbett” was created to help family and friends learn how to communicate with him using assistive technology and his unique communication style.

"I felt loved because my friends and family learned to talk with me."

This World Mental Health Day, we're celebrating the power of connection, belonging and being truly seen and heard.

Today, people everywhere are increasing the impact of their Donor-Advised Funds by giving together. If you have a DAF, t...
10/08/2026

Today, people everywhere are increasing the impact of their Donor-Advised Funds by giving together. If you have a DAF, this is your chance to join a nationwide wave of generosity and support Make-A-Wish Illinois.

A donor advised fund can help create life-changing wishes today while supporting wish kids for years to come.

Learn how to give at plannedgiving.wish.org/donor-advised-funds

Durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, celebramos las historias, culturas y experiencias que hacen única a nuestra comun...
10/07/2026

Durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, celebramos las historias, culturas y experiencias que hacen única a nuestra comunidad. Para Natalia, su deseo dejó una huella llena de amor, felicidad y recuerdos que llevará consigo para siempre.

Cada deseo refleja la fuerza, la esperanza y la alegría de los niños y familias que tenemos el honor de acompañar.

For wish kids like Darcie, a wish is more than a vacation. It’s a chance to simply be a kid, laugh, recharge, and make m...
10/06/2026

For wish kids like Darcie, a wish is more than a vacation. It’s a chance to simply be a kid, laugh, recharge, and make memories away from hospital visits and treatments.

For the past 14 years, Angela has been a champion for children facing challenging medical journies and their families, h...
10/03/2026

For the past 14 years, Angela has been a champion for children facing challenging medical journies and their families, helping connect countless patients to the life-changing impact of a wish.

As a nurse practitioner at Advocate Children's Hospital, Angela has made Make-A-Wish a part of the care she provides, guiding families through the referral process and helping them see a wish as a celebration of everything a child has overcome and the chance to focus on hope, strength and joy.

"For each kid, that looks different," Angela says. "Make-A-Wish helps achieve that goal, and I'm so grateful I get to work with them."

This year, Angela was honored with the Healthcare Partner Leadership Award for her commitment to championing the Make-A-Wish mission and extending its reach to children who need it most.

When Norah's family dreamed about travel, they never imagined a trip beyond an hour from home would be possible. Living ...
10/01/2026

When Norah's family dreamed about travel, they never imagined a trip beyond an hour from home would be possible.

Living with a nervous system disorder meant navigating mobility challenges and relying on specialized medical equipment. But when Norah's wish to visit Walt Disney World® Resort came true, her WishMakers helped coordinate every detail, including transporting the medical devices she depends on.

At Disney, Norah experienced wheelchair-accessible attractions, colorful parades and sensory-filled adventures designed for every child to enjoy.

"To see her fully recognized in a world that usually isn't so accessible was emotional," said her mom, Tiffany.

This Disability Awareness Month, we're celebrating the power of wishes to create accessible experiences and remind families what's possible.

Know a child living with a critical illness? Learn more about making a referral at wish.org/refer.

After 38 years of serving children and families through Make-A-Wish Illinois, Senior Gift Officer Linda Giovacchini Parc...
10/01/2026

After 38 years of serving children and families through Make-A-Wish Illinois, Senior Gift Officer Linda Giovacchini Parck has announced her retirement in mid-November.
Linda's Make-A-Wish journey began in 1988 as our chapter's first Executive Director. For nearly four decades, she helped lay the foundation for the organization we know today. During her tenure, more than 19,000 Illinois children with critical illnesses experienced the life-changing power of a wish.
Linda's legacy can be seen not only in those wishes, but also in the community of people she helped bring together along the way. For those who have met Linda knows that she embodies the spirit of Make-A-Wish. Her imprint will remain on this chapter as the many people she has inspired over the years continue her passion to create life-changing wishes for local kids
Please join us in congratulating Linda on her retirement.

This weekend Rader Family Farms welcomed wish families, volunteers, and the ISU Chi Omegas for a day of fun on the farm!...
09/28/2026

This weekend Rader Family Farms welcomed wish families, volunteers, and the ISU Chi Omegas for a day of fun on the farm!

A special thank you to area volunteers Corey and Pam Schieler and Rader Family Farms for their generosity and support in making this special day possible.

09/28/2026

Congratulations to all of the team Make-A-Wish Illinois at this weekend’s Life Time Chicago Half Marathon!

You can help these runners reach their fundraising goals by visiting the link in our bio!

Address

200 W Monroe Street, Suite 1801
Chicago, IL
60606

Telephone

+18009789474

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