Every child with a critical illness needs the hope and resilience a wish can bring into their lives. As Make-A-Wish Illinois works to reach these children, more volunteers in every neighborhood are needed to create life-changing wish experiences. Right now, the need for bilingual volunteers is urgent.
Make-A-Wish Illinois welcomes a new class of interns three times a year. An opportunity to test what they have learned in school while working in a professional environment, they often come away learning much more than then business of a non-profit.
Kevin was born and raised in Geneva, Illinois where he currently lives and works with the Geneva Emergency Management Agency. Kevin is an active volunteer with Make-A-Wish Illinois, supporting events, providing office support and sharing his story. Kevin had successful heart transplant in the Fall of 2018.
Tessa Martyn’s brother, Sam, had his wish granted during the summer of 2016 to meet DJ Hardwell at Lollapalooza. In her own words, Tessa reflects on the hope of a wish journey.
Wishes provide kids hope when they need it most, and research shows they have effects on children’s overall well-being and health outcomes.
Research shows that wishes have the possibility to give kids the hope and strength they need to fight harder. For children who are battling a critical illness, a wish can give them and their families the chance to believe anything is possible.
Every Make-A-Wish volunteer, whether they're granting wishes or helping out at some of our events, brings their own insight and experiences to the job and to the organization.
Yesenia Presley gives as much of herself to others as she can.
Seeing how a wish experience impacted her friend's grandson, Annica decided to volunteer with Make-A-Wish. She quickly realized, “Life is bigger than me” and redoubled her volunteer efforts to make a difference.
Fearless, Jake lived every day with energy and passion for the activities and people he loved.
Office Phone Numbers Chicago - 312.602.9474 Peoria - 309.637.1659 Springfield - 217.544.9470 Toll-Free - 800.978.9474 Sí, hablamos español.