As a parent, one of the scariest possibilities in life is something happening to our children; especially awful things we can’t control, like a debilitating illness. The Make-A-Wish Foundation in Singapore is marking 20 years of bringing a little joy to the lives of sick kids and their families – here’s how you can help them to keep on working their magic.
It’s always awful when our children are sick and we need to call the doctor. However, the challenges and difficulties a whole family faces when a child is seriously ill can take a toll on everyone who loves the child. Every parent who has suffered through watching their child struggle shares the wish to take their baby’s pain away. Although that’s not always possible, it’s where the Make-A-Wish Foundation comes in. This exceptional charity grants the wishes of critically ill children and their families to distract away from their difficult ordeals and bring smiles to kids that deserve a spark of happiness.
Meet the beneficiaries and find out what they wish for…
Being unwell brings the importance of being healthy into sharp focus. Besides wishing to be well, the kids’ wishes are all unique. Wishes granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation can be anything from adventurous days out and exciting experiences to attending events or seeing behind the scenes of some of Singapore’s great attractions – have a read of the wish stories to see what some of the recipients have experienced! The hardships these children and their families have had to endure are put behind them for a day of excitement and happiness.
Meet Aisah. She is only eleven years old and has had to undergo multiple medical procedures over the course of her life; however, she endures her treatments with positivity and grace. Aisah loves new experiences and trying new things, so when she was nominated to make a wish, she opted for an exciting adventure – to become a pilot for a day! She was able to fly a small plane with her family on board, and her joy lifted her whole family’s spirits in the face of her adversity. The photos from the day make for happy memories they can all look back on in difficult times.
Elise, aged just five years old, is a brave young girl living with retinoblastoma. For those that have spent any time with her at all, it becomes immediately evident that Elise has a big love for animals. So it came as no surprise to her family that Elise’s wish was to be a zookeeper for the day and Mandai Wildlife Park did not disappoint! A behind-the-scenes tour for the whole family and a special personalised vest for Elise added touches of magic to the day.
How are wishes granted, and how can we help?
It’s important to note that any child who has been going through a difficult time medically can be nominated by a friend or family member. Often people think wishes are only granted to children who are terminally ill. However, if a child has been through a harrowing experience, such as multiple surgeries or medical treatments, and you think they deserve a day of joy, you are welcome to ‘paotoh’ (dob them in!) and nominate them.
It takes a whole village to grant a wish, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation depends on the help of staff, corporate and community partners, healthcare workers and volunteers to make sick kids’ wishes come true. You can donate funds directly or help with fundraising drives, or join the crew as a volunteer. If you represent a business that could help financially or by providing an experience, be sure to get in touch with the Make-a-wish team!
Happy birthday, Make-A-Wish Foundation – let’s get to 2,000 wishes in 2022!
To mark the foundation’s 20th anniversary in 2022, a new milestone was announced to grant 2,000 wishes to sick children in Singapore on World Wish Day 2022. Through the power of wishes, the organisation aims to help more beneficiaries by bringing joy and hope to children who are ill, and their families.
“We are proud to fulfil the wishes of over 1,700 children with critical illnesses over the last 20 years in Singapore. The immediate impact (of granting a wish) is clear when you see the smiles on the faces of our wish children and their families.”
Help the Make-A-Wish Foundation reach its goal of granting 2,000 wishes, and volunteer today!