A big misconception about Make-a-Wish is that the organization grants wishes only to children with terminal illnesses. Last year, one father denied his 4-year-old daughter her wish trip to Disney World because she had recovered from leukemia and he believed the wishes should only be given to children who are terminally ill. This used to be the Make-a-Wish policy, but they've since changed their policy to include children with serious illnesses, some of whom, thankfully, do recover. Batkid, for instance, is in remission from leukemia. Make-a-Wish now sees its role as a step in the healing process rather than as a final wish.
Edit: Hijacking my own top comment to point out you can donate airline miles to Make A Wish. If you only fly an airline once and they'll expire anyway it's a great way to give. They also have a podcast with stories about the kids wishes. Heart warming but do NOT listen it if you are not willing to be teary eyed wherever you are right now. (Seriously, just the pictures on the website got me choked up.)
Wife works childrens oncology. 14 yr old terminal guitar player received a surprise visit from Keith Urban. Not Make-a-Wish, just a someone letting Keith know the scenario. No media and no one was allowed in the room. Just Keith and the lad. The 2 of them played guitar for over 2 hours. When they finished, he just quietly walked out.
bagheera_013 on February 19th, 2018 at 17:02 UTC »
He seems so happy but sad at the same time to be with the kids. You gotta love this guy for having a big heart.
JustCallMeDave on February 19th, 2018 at 17:31 UTC »
Not all of these kids are necessarily terminally ill:
Edit: Hijacking my own top comment to point out you can donate airline miles to Make A Wish. If you only fly an airline once and they'll expire anyway it's a great way to give. They also have a podcast with stories about the kids wishes. Heart warming but do NOT listen it if you are not willing to be teary eyed wherever you are right now. (Seriously, just the pictures on the website got me choked up.)
eatatbone1 on February 19th, 2018 at 18:44 UTC »
Wife works childrens oncology. 14 yr old terminal guitar player received a surprise visit from Keith Urban. Not Make-a-Wish, just a someone letting Keith know the scenario. No media and no one was allowed in the room. Just Keith and the lad. The 2 of them played guitar for over 2 hours. When they finished, he just quietly walked out.