Page 107 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2021

GIVING BACK
MAKE-A-WISH
“Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.”
story by Victoria Snyder and Make-A-Wish photos courtesy of Make-A-Wish
A wish come true helps children feel stronger, more energetic, more willing, and able to battle their critical illnesses. For many, the wish marks a turning point in the fight against their illnesses. Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals say that the wish experience works in concert with medicine to make their patients feel better emotionally – and physically. That is why wishes matter. And that is why Make-A-Wish Mississippi has been granting wishes to local wish kids for over 35 years.
Shelby – I wish to have a Polaris.
In 2019, over 15,000 children had their wishes granted
by Make-A-Wish across the United States. In Mississippi,
specifically, almost 100 children had their wishes granted.
While supporters help to make these wishes come true
every day, there are still many children who haven’t
been reached by the program. Less than half of eligible
Mississippi children have a wish granted. Make-A-Wish
Mississippi’s goal is to grant the wish of every eligible
child between the ages of 2 1/2-18.
Make-A-Wish children have been diagnosed with a
critical illness (a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition) that places the child’s life in jeopardy.
Make-A-Wish Mississippi is proud to say that 71 percent of every dollar donated is spent on wish-granting or related program expenses. The nonprofit takes its role in creating happiness in children’s lives very seriously.
While wishes are granted every day, there are still more children out there waiting for your help. Consider one of the following ways to partner with Make-A-Wish Mississippi and be a game-changer: giving a one-time gift, becoming a monthly donor, donating frequent flyer miles, coordinating workplace giving, Kids for Wish Kids, planned giving, Adopt-A-Wish, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor.
Make-A-Wish
smoses@ms.wish.org | www.ms.wish.org
Nehemiah – I wish to have a clubhouse.
Preston – I wish to have an action wheelchair.
Aaliyah – I wish to have a shopping spree.
A PROUD SUPPORTER OF
Call 228.575.7500
www.florencegardens.com
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
December 2021 | 107