Page 83 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2023

GIVING BACK
story by Victoria Snyder 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. A wish impacts all of those around the patient as well.
That is why wishes matter. And that is why Make-A-Wish Mississippi was founded in the memory of a little girl who lived in Gulfport, and has been granting wishes to local wish kids for over 35 years.
In fiscal year 2022, over 12,800 children had their wishes granted by Make-A-Wish across the United States. In Mississippi, specifically, 116 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. 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 72 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, in-kind gifts, planned giving, Adopt-A- Wish, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor.
Make-A-Wish
www.ms.wish.org | Facebook @Make-A-Wish Mississippi
“TOGETHER,
WE CREATE LIFE-CHANGING WISHES FOR CHILDREN WITH CRITICAL ILLNESSES.”
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
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