Make-A-Wish: What children wish for

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		I wish I could go
		I wish I could be
		I wish I could meet
		I wish I could have

While every wish is different and uniquely tailored for each child and family, there
are some common themes among the hundreds of wishes Make-A-Wish has fulfilled.

The majority of wishes fall into four categories I wish I could&

Destination... "I wish I could go&"

Experience or Occupation "I wish I could be..."

Celebrity... "I wish I could meet&"

Special Gift... "I wish I could have&"

Brandi wins big at the Olympics in Atlanta.

Like many teens, 13-year-old Brandi of Tacoma, Washington loves sports. Her wish was to go to the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The Make-A-Wish Foundation arranged for Brandi and her family to attend many of the competitions, including track & field, gymnastics, swimming, volleyball, and Brandi's favorite sport, basketball. One of the highlights for Brandi was seeing the USA Dream Team play! The desire to travel is by far our most popular wish - over 70% of our children's wishes are travel-related.

Ten-year-old Trevor holds a baby kangaroo during his Australian visit.

Sarah wanted to play in the sun and sand in Hawaii.

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Many children dream of being someone - or something - special. It may be a cowboy, a pilot, or an ice skater. There is a universality about 'to be' wishes that touches the heart of anyone who has ever fantasized about stepping into that ultimate role, even for one magical day. There are few rewards greater than seeing the smile on a child's face as he or she lives out that dream through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Danielle became an ice skater.

Chien-Chun up and away in a Boeing flight simulator.

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Whether it's a super hero, a movie star or a professional athlete, many wish children dream of meeting their favorite star. Fortunately for the special children we serve, celebrities graciously give of their time and talents to make heartfelt dreams come true. These treasured meetings allow the children to bask in the spotlight or to spend a quiet, personal visit with their favorite celebrity, creating cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Two superstars: Ken Griffey, Jr. and wish child Paul.

Photo: Santa chats with twins Jason and Justin

Twins Jason and Justin enjoy a holiday chat with Santa.

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Jeff up and running on his new laptop.

Photo: Jesse with his awesome guitar

Jesse with his "awesome" Fender guitar.

Jeff wanted a computer of his own so he could keep up on his high school studies, play his favorite computer games, and surf the net. He isn't alone. The fastest growing type of wish we grant is for children who wish for a computer. Other children might ask for a shopping spree, a pink bicycle - or even a pony.

Jesse wished for an "awesome" guitar like Eric Clapton plays. Thanks to Fender Masterbuilder, Mark Kendrick of Los Angeles, Jesse's wish came true.

Sixteen-year-old April chose the gift of giving. She asked Make-A-Wish to provide a holiday party and Christmas gifts for a group of homeless children. That same spirit of selfless giving by our donors and dedicated volunteers turns dreams into reality for children like Jeff, Jesse and April.

Francelina wanted a bike. A pink bike.

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