One Life-Changing Moment Leads to a Wish Come True

Photo provided courtesy of Catherine Clay Photography.

It was a sudden shift that left an entire family in freefall. A routine revolving around Girl Scouts, volleyball, tennis and gymnastics morphed into a struggle for survival. In a moment, chemotherapy and other therapies were the new focus of 10-year-old Mallory’s life. 

Even with her family’s constant support, the treatment regime took its toll. Mallory was in a constant state of discomfort, and she felt isolated from her friends and her old life.

Eight months after her diagnosis, however, there was a positive change in Mallory’s life: her social worker referred her for a Make-A-Wish^® experience. Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, enriching the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Healthcare professionals often refer children because they know that wishes can improve their patients’ emotional health – which, in turn, can also boost their physical health.

Deciding on a Wish

Mallory dreamed of many things, like going on a cooking show and meeting her favorite chef, or maybe even learning to surf in Hawaii.

With all the possible wishes she could make, Mallory needed some help whittling her options down. Her wish granters listened, asked questions and connected to Mallory’s heart. Talking with them helped Mallory realize her perfect wish: a Maltipoo puppy that she would name MayBelle Twix.

Every child referred to Make-A-Wish receives the same loving care and careful selection process to ensure that their once-in-a-lifetime wish truly reflects their individual needs. Donations ensure not only the direct cost of these wishes, but also the details that ensure maximum benefit for the child and their family. For example, although $200 per month will fund a kid’s wish for electronics, such as a full video game system, as little as $26 per year provides a wish kid and their family with a photo book to capture and preserve the memories of their wish experience.

Welcome to the Family, MayBelle Twix!

Mallory’s wish was a quiet, family-centered one. To prepare for MayBelle Twix’s arrival, Mallory was escorted to the pet store for a shopping spree unlike any other. She stocked up on all the essentials any pet owner needs, like a comfy bed, toys and plenty of treats. MayBelle Twix was going to be one pampered pooch!

To celebrate the puppy’s arrival, Mallory invited family, close friends, her wish granters and her pediatric oncologist, who brought his own dog so Maybelle Twix would have someone to play with. Festive decorations added celebratory flair, along with a cake, party favors and cute costumes for the puppy.

But the best was yet to come. The guest of honor arrived. Mallory held MayBelle Twix for the first time and the two fell instantly in love. A wish come true.

MayBelle Twix is sure to be a wonderful friend as Mallory continues her treatments. One of Mallory’s wish granters believes the wish will have a real impact going forward, remarking, “The beauty of this wish is that it’s not about the size of the wish, but about the size of the heart behind it. Love is infinite and so is the power of a wish.”

Mallory’s mom, Stacy, couldn’t have been more ecstatic. “Our family is grateful to the kind folks of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and all of the generous donors who made our little warrior’s wish come true!”

In 2016, more than 15,000 wishes were granted to children with critical illnesses in the U.S. With your generous help, Make-A-Wish can continue to provide comfort and joy, inspiring these children and their families to continue their fight back to good health.

Support Make-A-Wish® Foundation of America through your employee giving program:

As a donor, you can support Make-A-Wish by donating to them through your employer’s workplace giving program (CFC#11375 if you’re a military or federal employee participating in the Combined Federal Campaign). Payroll pledges made through employer-sponsored charitable giving programs represent a cost effective and near effortless way to support your favorite charities.

As Make-A-Wish’s workplace giving partner, America’s Charities can help your company design and implement a program centered on supporting their work – through workplace giving campaigns, employee fundraising, cause-focused signature programs, volunteerism, donation drives, matching gifts, Dollars-for-Doers, In-Kind Giving and other employee engagement and philanthropic initiatives. Click here to request a demo and learn how we can help you do this.