Page 83 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2022

GIVING BACK
story by Victoria Snyder photos courtesy of Make-A-Wish
“Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.”
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.
In fiscal year 2021, over 9,500 children had their wishes granted by Make-A-Wish across the United States. In Mississippi, specifically, 64 children had their wishes granted in the midst of the global pandemic.
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 70-75 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.
8th Annual Make-A-Wish Golf Classic.
Make-A-Wish: www.ms.wish.org
Elliot’s Dream of Swimming with the Sea Turtles Granted.
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