Make-A-Wish Foundation

Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 after a little boy named Chris Greicius realized his heartfelt wish to become a police officer. Since its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 193,000 children around the world.

Although it has become one of the world's most well-known charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has maintained the grassroots fulfillment of its mission.  A network of nearly 25,000 volunteers enable the Make-A-Wish Foundation to serve children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants and in numerous other capacities.

As the Foundation continues to mature, its mission will remain steadfast. Wish children of the past, present and future will have an opportunity to share the power of a wish®.

Our Make-A-Wish Recipients

Blake - Southwest Idaho

Blake, age 14 from Idaho Falls, is an award winning competitive swimmer. His diagnosis of kidney failure and subsequent transplant did not deter him from daily practice and grueling swim meets. The entire family enjoys swimming – dad has acted as coach for years. A typical teenage boy, Blake loves hot dogs and steak – specifically Texas Roadhouse! Blake has wished to go to Atlantis, in the Bahamas to experience the ocean, swim with the sharks and of course, go spiraling down the waterfalls!! He and his entire family will be traveling in late summer.

Amber - Age 9

"I wish to go to Disneyland"

We are pleased to let you know that one hundred percent of your donation will be used for the wish granting expenses of a sweet little girl like nine-year-old Amber from Billings. Amber loves to ride her bike, play with her cat and play hide & seek. When she's not busy watching the Disney Channel, she can often be found eating ribs and potato chips. When Make-A-Wish® volunteers asked Amber to tell them about her fondest wish, she said that she wanted to travel to Disneyland in Anaheim, California and meet Goofy, along with riding the roller coasters and playing laser tag.

Amber is looking forward to her wish adventure scheduled for the month of September.

Ellie - Magic Valley

Meet Ellie – Queen of Hats! This vivacious 11 year old hails from Twin Falls. Receiving treatment for lymphoma hasn’t resulted in any loss of spirit. Ellie approaches life with a zest few can match. She loves the color pink, pumpkin pie, chocolate cake and Justin Bieber. She loves the game Apples to Apples, playing with her 3 cats, and did I mention JUSTIN BIEBER?!?!? Ellie’s wish is to go to DisneyWorld in Orlando, Florida. She is looking forward to riding the many rides at DisneyWorld and Universal Studios and is hoping Justin MAY just be visiting.

Garrett - Southwest Idaho

6 year old Garrett lives in Homedale, Idaho with his parents, and 2 older sisters. Garrett battles mitochondrial disease ( an illness that starts in the cells of the body and eventually weakens the entire body) but doesn’t let it keep him from his favorite pastime – playing outdoors. He is a McDonalds fan: milkshakes and chicken nuggets. He adores trains and roller coasters. His wish is to meet Mickey Mouse at DisneyWorld in Orlando, Florida. He will be staying at the fabulous Give Kids The World resort, which happens to have a wonderful train on the property. Garrett and his entire family is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.