When you support Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana, you give the gift of strength and hope to help transform communities.
Strength
When given the chance to have any wish, Jocelyn chose to give hers away, donating to the infusion clinic where she receives chemotherapy so other children could find comfort during long treatment days. She imagined kids watching their favorite shows, smiling through the hours of waiting she knew so well. Her selflessness inspired her school community and beyond, rallying people to raise more than $10,000 to support young patients and their families. In the midst of her own battle, Jocelyn’s compassion and determination became a source of strength for countless others, proving that even in the hardest seasons, one person’s choice can lift many.
Watch Jocelyn’s story and see how a wish can strengthen weary families and ripple through a community.
Hope
For Alex, a lifelong hockey player and devoted fan of Johnny Gaudreau, the chance to meet his hero came at a time when hope felt distant. At just 14, he was diagnosed with cancer, enduring grueling treatments far from home and the isolation of hospital stays during COVID. Through it all, he held onto one dream—meeting “Johnny Hockey.” When his wish came true, Alex didn’t just get a quick hello; he toured the locker room, shared a smoothie with Johnny, watched practice from the bench, and experienced his very first NHL game in person. That day reminded Alex that even in the hardest seasons, there’s still room for excitement and joy.
Watch Alex’s story and see how a wish can spark hope strong enough to carry a child through their toughest battles.
Transformation
For Soraya and her family, her wish to visit Hawaii was the turning point that transformed how they approached life. Living with a progressive, undiagnosed neuromuscular disease had kept their world focused on medical appointments, logistics, and constant worry. But for six days, Make-A-Wish lifted that weight, creating space for laughter, connection, and core memories. The experience sparked a new family motto—“Suck the joy out of life”—a commitment to seek out joy intentionally, not wait for it to appear. Since then, they’ve made bucket lists, embraced spontaneous adventures, and prioritized time together in ways they never had before. This ripple effect of one wish continues to shape their days, reminding them that while illness is part of their journey, it does not define it.
Watch Soraya’s story and see how one wish can transform not just a moment, but an entire family’s way of life.
Community
Born with serious kidney issues and enduring years of dialysis before a lifesaving transplant, Jackson has faced more challenges in his young life than most people ever will. When Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana partnered with Mid-Continent Independent System Operator (MISO) to build Jackson’s dream playset, it became a true team effort. Employees volunteered their time, braving the rain, to bring Jackson’s wish to life, only to discover partway through that Jackson’s dad was also a MISO employee The experience brought colleagues together, strengthened bonds, and reminded everyone that community is built by showing up for each other in times of need.
Watch Jackson’s story and see how a wish can unite a workplace, a family, and an entire community.
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