Every 20 minutes, a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, according to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since 1980, it has been the mission of the nonprofit to grant life-changing wishes to those children. Over the last 41 years, more than 335,000 wishes have been granted in the United States. Going beyond a simple gift or act of kindness, these experiences help families find hope and give recipients the strength to cope with complex medical treatments. One of 59 branches across the country, the local Missouri and Kansas chapter has granted more than 8,000 wishes to kids between the ages of 2 ½ and 18.
Earlier this month, Make-A-Wish held its annual Centene Walk for Wishes presented by Emerson, Spectrum and Stifel. Due to COVID-19, this year’s event had a hybrid format with a limited capacity in-person walk in Forest Park, a drive-through opportunity and an option for virtual supporters. “Walk for Wishes provides the funds for more than 20% of the wishes our local chapter provides annually,” says Caroline Schmidt, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Missouri and Kansas. “Despite the challenges we faced with the evolving pandemic, the power of a wish to transform a child’s life is still unmistakably evident. The support we have seen has been tremendous. It is a true testament to the caring nature and philanthropic spirit of the St. Louis community.”
For the past nine years, the St. Louis Walk for Wishes has been the largest Make-A-Wish walk in the country, and it has helped grant 400 wishes to children in the region in the last three years alone. Fundraising for 2021 will continue through May, and the nonprofit hopes to reach its $850,000 goal, which will allow it to help an additional 85 critically ill kids. “All of the effort that went into the event speaks to the dedication of Make-A-Wish and the community,” says event chair Ronald Kruszewski, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Stifel Financial Corp.
According to Make-A-Wish, research shows that children who have wishes granted receive much more than a simple act of kindness. The experience also provides an emotional and physical boost that can help them fight their illness and lead to better health outcomes. It also can offer families comfort and inspiration during difficult times. “Having a wish granted is directly connected to hope,” Kruszewski says. “Medicine isn’t the only thing that plays a part in fighting illness. Sometimes, it’s your state of mind and attitude. Giving children in dire circumstances something to look forward to and cherish is crucial to their self healing.”
While Make-A-Wish helps thousands of children across the country annually, the nonprofit wants to continue to expand its reach. For every wish granted, there are another three that require further financial support to make them possible. “Our local chapter wants to grant 333 wishes this year, and there still is so much more needed to make that possible,” Kruszewski says. “Granting a wish to someone critically ill is a phenomenal thing. What better opportunity is there to give back and help children in need?”
Since its founding in 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted thousands of wishes to critically ill children across the United States. The local chapter alone has made wishes come true for nearly 9,000 kids and teens. Pictured on the cover: 2021 Walk for Wishes event chair Ronald Kruszewski of Stifel. To learn more about the Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas chapter, call 314.205.9474 or visit wish.org/mokan.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
Pictured at top: The ribbon cutting ceremony at the 2021 Walk for Wishes
Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish