Make-A-Wish New Jersey

Our wish kids are so creative! How cool is this one? Miles loves video games, so for his wish, he wanted to see how they are created by visiting the Valve Corporation, a video game developer, publisher and digital distribution company. Upon arrival, Miles was treated to a building tour followed by a stop in the Motion Capture Studio (MoCap) where he and his brothers had the opportunity to suit up in MoCap suits and record some movements. From there he got to interview some of his favorite game designers, play some of his favorite games with them and see upcoming game prototypes and mockups of future games and controllers.

This holiday season, more than 4,000 children will be diagnosed with a devastating critical illness. Right now, you have a unique and powerful opportunity to ensure no child waits even one unnecessary day to unwrap the power of a wish – at a time when they need it most.?? Your gift is urgently needed for wish kids like Hazael. Donate today: nj.wish.org/donate

It’s National Family Caregivers Month, and Nemu’s bond with Ms. Amber is worth celebrating. Nemu has endured multiple surgeries for her nervous system disorder. Ms. Amber was Nemu’s comforting caregiver for 5+ years – so when she moved to Chicago, Nemu was devastated. “Nemu really loved her,” said her dad, Shinichi. When granted a wish, Nemu wanted to go to Chicago to see Ms. Amber and the snowy scenery. ?? Exploring the Windy City and snowtubing was great fun, but the highlight was visiting with Ms. Amber and her family over pizza. With renewed joy from the reunion, Nemu’s mom Takako shared: “Nemu has repeatedly said that she would like to go back to Chicago. We believe that this feeling has benefited her the strength to live.”

“Make-A-Wish was the star that was shining in the middle of the darkness. You pushed us every day, thinking about us and following us everywhere until Hazael’s wish came true. Thank you.” Yosilda, Hazael’s mom???? Wish kids need you. Unwrap the power of a wish for kids like Hazael: nj.wish.org/donate

Happy birthday, Mickey Mouse! We’re sending bright birthday wishes on behalf of wish kids like Jevon. In the darkest of moments, there is one thing that helps Jevon endure grueling treatments for his genetic disorder: his love for watching Mickey Mouse on TV. That’s why Jevon wished to visit Mickey at @Walt Disney World. “Our favorite part as a family was being able to spend this time with Jevon and not having to worry about appointments or therapies. We just spent time enjoying each other. We will always treasure this experience.” – Crystal, Jevon’s mom Learn more about how @Disney and @Make-A-Wish America continue to grant wishes together at wish.org/Disney. @Make-A-Wish Wisconsin

Our friends from Grand Chapter – Widows Sons New Jersey, visited us to present a check for $10,500 raised at their annual charity ride this September. Their continued support of our mission will help restore hope for children with critical illnesses right here in New Jersey. Thank you for your dedication to our mission! Are you a part of an organization looking to host a fundraising event benefitting Make-A-Wish New Jersey in the future? If so, please contact Dominique Gleason, Director of Events, at [email protected]!

On October 12th, Ian’s Run 2024 was held at RiverWinds Community Center is West Deptford, NJ honoring the life of Ian Thomas Dimitratos, who passed away shortly after he was born in 2020. Steven & Allison Dimitratos along with friends, family and supporters, ran a 5k to raise funds to help restore hope, strength and joy to the wish kids and families we serve. Together, $8,590.53 was raised for Make-A-Wish New Jersey! The family recently visited us here at the Wishing Place for a check presentation and tour. Thank you for your continued support of our mission!

Today and every day, we are inspired by our community of supporters, whose acts of generosity make a big impact on the lives of children facing critical illnesses. Thank you for helping unwrap the power of a wish. ?? Visit njwish.org/donate to make a difference this #NationalPhilanthropyDay. ??

“Watching Moci go through her blood transfusions, at times, is heartbreaking. But it’s a beautiful thing to watch her do ballet, because she has the hemoglobin that gives her energy to dance. It’s amazing.” – Chris, Moci’s dad ?? Moci is waiting for her wish to go to the ballet to come true. This holiday season, you can help unwrap the power of a wish for kids like Moci. Donate now: nj.wish.org/donate

Wish kids have some of the kindest hearts. ?? Like Roslyn, whose wish was to bake cakes for her care team at the hospital. ?? “I’m going to give them to my doctors, because they helped me when I had cancer,” Roslyn said. ?? You can spread kindness by helping grant more wishes for kids like Roslyn. Donate today at nj.wish.org/donate