Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana is dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Global Link Distribution and its employees in Elkhart are proud to support the Make-A-Wish in northern Indiana. If you’re interested in helping grant a child’s wish, contact the local chapter toll free at 877-872-2756.

By: Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana + Global Link

When a wish comes true, it creates strength, hope and transformation in a child and entire communities. A wish child can wish, “to be,” “to have,” “to meet,“to go,” and even, “to give” s to help people beyond their immediate families.

A child can wish for an accessible playground for their school, activities for other kids, or improvements to an existing facility. There’s no greater gesture than giving back to your community; these children are inspiring.

When Indiana teenager Nadene was offered a wish, she initially declined. After receiving treatment for leukemia, she was recovering and wanted the organization to focus efforts on other children. Make-A-Wish isn’t a last-wish organization — about 80% of wish kids beat their illness and live typical healthy lives. So, when Nadene’s social worker told her that her wish could be donated to benefit others, she and her family began thinking of ways to give back.

As her mother, Sonya, was scrolling Facebook, Nadene noticed a family friend’s son swimming at an indoor facility, rather than nearby beaches, despite the beautiful summertime weather. Sonya explained the boy suffered from cerebral palsy and that the indoor pool could accommodate his physical limitations, while the beach was inaccessible.

Nadene wanted to help children like the boy and others experience the joy of the beach, sparking her idea for a wish. She asked Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana to create a handicap-accessible beach path at her favorite park.

Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana granted her wish to build an accessible ramp at Indiana Dunes National Park. Volunteers created a pathway and ramps from the main and west parking lots, across the sand, and up to the water using rigid non-slip mats. The pedestrian and wheelchair-friendly route allows almost anyone to reach the shore.

Beginning last summer, visitors could use the mats, including Nadene’s family friend, who visited for the first time.

By working with Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana, local individuals and companies can help more children like Nadene improve their communities and bring joy to other children experiencing critical illness or physical limitations.

Efforts can be grand or small. While she was receiving treatment for lymphoma, Chloe was easily fatigued and couldn’t play sports or do strenuous physical activity. To pass the time at the hospital, she started crocheting blankets, hats, and scarves for friends and family. When it was her turn to make a wish, Chloe wanted to help other children find small pleasure in crafting, and she asked Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana to donate crochet kits to local hospitals.

When Ohio teen William received treatment for leukemia, he learned there were critical shortages in blood for kids with critical illnesses. Eager to help, William asked for a wish to create a blood drive.

Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana helped organize and direct William’s Community Blood Drive, a month-long drive at William’s local blood donation center. The community rallied around him, and people donated more than 1,100 units of blood, which was enough to treat more than 3,000 people.

William’s work didn’t stop there. Across Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, companies and individuals were inspired to donate blood and host additional blood drives in his honor.

Children like Nadene, Chloe, and William inspire their peers and communities. By donating their wishes to benefit others, these and other children are inspiring and making positive contributions.

A wish can unite a community and bring joy to others. You can help Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana bring more wishes to life. Join our team as a corporate sponsor and invite your employees to volunteer.

You can help make more wishes come true for children in northern Indiana. Help restore hope with a wish today! To learn more, visit the website for Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana.