Make-A-Wish International spotlights family impact on Global Day of Parents

By AI, Created 1:16 PM UTC, May 30, 2026, /AGP/ – Make-A-Wish International used Global Day of Parents to highlight how wishes affect not just children with critical illnesses, but also parents and siblings. The organization says the benefits include more joy, stronger family bonds and a greater sense of normalcy, with more than 10,000 children still waiting for wishes worldwide.

Why it matters: - Make-A-Wish International says wishes can ease the emotional strain on families facing a child’s critical illness, not just create a memorable moment for the child. - The organization says the impact includes joy, connection, and a temporary return to normal family life at a time of treatment and uncertainty. - More than 10,000 children worldwide are currently waiting for their wish.

What happened: - Make-A-Wish International marked Global Day of Parents on June 1, 2026, by focusing on the effect of wishes on parents and families. - The organization pointed to findings from its Global Theory of Change and peer-reviewed research. - Luciano Manzo, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish International, said parents often carry an enormous emotional burden while trying to maintain normality for their families. - Manzo said a wish can offer a rare chance to step away from hospital visits and uncertainty and simply be a family again. - The organization highlighted Keoni, 8, from Switzerland, whose wish was a road trip to Scotland.

The details: - Make-A-Wish International says a child is diagnosed with a critical illness every 25 seconds. - The group says parents report that a wish brings joy and happiness to the whole family. - The group says parents also report that a wish helps restore a sense of normalcy and strengthens family bonds. - Among wish parents surveyed, 97% said a wish brings joy and happiness. - Among wish parents surveyed, 96% said it creates a happy, lasting family memory. - Among wish parents surveyed, 93% said it strengthens family bonding. - Among wish parents surveyed, 98% said every child with a critical illness should have a wish. - Keoni lives with pulmonary hypertension, a condition that makes heat difficult for him to tolerate. - The family traveled by van along Scotland’s coastline and through its cities. - The trip gave the family time away from treatment routines and helped them reconnect. - Keoni’s parents said they were deeply grateful to create such wonderful memories with all their children.

Between the lines: - The campaign frames a wish as family support, not only child-centered philanthropy. - The survey results suggest parents see wishes as emotionally meaningful and broadly beneficial across the household. - The focus on family impact can help Make-A-Wish International broaden the case for referrals, donations, and access to wishes in more places.

What’s next: - Make-A-Wish International says it will keep working to help more children with critical illnesses experience a wish. - The organization also says it will continue supporting the families who stand beside them at every step. - More information is available at worldwish.org.