Make-A-Wish Foundation: Helping make dreams come true

Since 1989, Blue Cross has partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to fulfill the dreams of Canadian children facing high-risk, life threatening illnesses.

Through our collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Blue Cross provides the necessary travel insurance for wish trips and waives the pre-existing clause for wish children. By making these wishes a reality, we give wish kids something to anticipate, allowing them to shift their focus away from their next treatment. These dreams provide them with the hope and energy to carry on.

In the event of any unforeseen circumstances during their travels, Blue Cross is here to take care of it all. We take great pride in the fact that we have never denied a wish to an eligible child.

Take a few moments to witness the profound impact a wish has on these remarkable children and their loved ones. The transformative effects begin the moment the children discover that their dream will come true, and they endure long after. 

All Jackson ever wanted was to play baseball. In 2015, he achieved his dream by joining an AAA team and dedicated his winter to become the starting pitcher. However, his aspirations took a heartbreaking turn when a visit to the doctor for a sore arm led to a rushed trip to SickKids Hospital. At just 13 years old, Jackson received devastating news – he had been diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer.

Enduring an arduous regimen of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Jackson's ability to play his beloved baseball was put on hold. Amid the dark days of treatment, he received a glimmer of hope when he learned that he would be granted a wish. Despite feeling discouraged by low blood counts and a weakened arm, Jackson's spirits were immediately uplifted upon hearing about his wish.

It came as no surprise that his wish involved the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox. Jackson's dream was to meet both teams during a game at Fenway Park in Boston. Carolyn, Jackson's mother, shared how this wish brought renewed hope and gratitude. She expressed immense appreciation to Children's Wish and Blue Cross for their role in fulfilling Jackson's wish.

“The impact of what you're doing for Jackson is incredibly powerful. The wish is something he eagerly anticipates. It signifies that he is starting to look ahead, focusing on the future rather than the past, and believing in a time when he will be better,” Carolyn expressed with deep gratitude.

In 2015, 4-year-old Arianna started experiencing mysterious symptoms such as aching legs, sore spine, a growing bump on the back of her head, and a persistent finger infection unresponsive to antibiotics. Shelly, Arianna's mother, took her to multiple doctors for repeated examinations.

Finally, an oncologist delivered the devastating news to Shelly, saying, “I'm so sorry, but Arianna has cancer. It’s not the news you want to hear.” This moment remains one of the most shocking in Shelly's life.

The initial six months of treatment were incredibly challenging for Arianna and her family, both emotionally and financially. They spent countless days and nights at the hospital, navigating through the hardships. However, amidst the grueling treatment, the prospect of Children's Wish granting Arianna's heartfelt desire became a beacon of hope for the young family. Arianna is set to complete her treatment in October 2017, two years after the onset of symptoms. In the meantime, she is eagerly looking forward to her magical trip to Disney, where she'll be flying on a plane.

“Talking about our upcoming Disney trip has truly lifted Arianna's spirits,” says Shelly. “It also brings immense comfort to know that there's a positive outcome waiting for us.”

A day after Mikayla was born, doctors noticed her skin tone was off and she seemed to struggle with breathing. Shortly after, her parents, Michael and Rose-Marie, received the heartbreaking news that Mikayla had pulmonary atresia, a life-threatening condition where the pulmonary valve fails to develop properly, obstructing blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Immediately, Mikayla was placed on a donor list. Fortunately, a donor was found, and at just 8 months old, Mikayla received a new heart in April 2009.

Today, at 7 years old, Mikayla has blossomed into a lively and spirited young girl who adores swimming, fairy tales, princesses, and playing Minecraft.

The news of Mikayla's upcoming visit to Disneyland, granted by the Children's Wish Foundation, has brought immense joy to her. Her older sisters, Alexis and Emily, are thrilled to be part of this wish as well.

“Due to Mikayla's health concerns and financial constraints, we haven't been able to travel. This wish is a true blessing for us,” shares Michael. “We understand that Mikayla's heart condition can be unpredictable, even though she is currently doing well. We have made a commitment to fill her life with as much joy and happiness as possible. It means the world to us that people care enough to make this wish come true for Mikayla.”