The History of A Wish Come True, Inc.

 

A Wish Come True, Inc. is a non-profit 501© 3 founded on October 8th, 1982. We are the oldest wish granting organization in RI and MA. Our mission is to grant magical wishes AND provide resources to families that have a child struggling with a life-threatening illness living in RI and MA, ages 3-18 years of age. 

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The growth of the organization over the last five years has truly been remarkable. In 2022 we granted 19 magical wishes after covid. In 2023, we granted 43 magical wishes thanks to the generosity of incredible donors and community support! We could not have done this without you. Over the years, the purpose of the wish has changed. At one point, it was a “final wish” for many of our children. Today, we see that most of our Wish Children are surviving their illness, which also requires additional support and stress on the families. The Magical Wish remains an opportunity to provide hope, love and happy memories that last a lifetime.

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The average cost of a wish is $5,000-$7,000 depending on the size of the family and if any special medical equipment is needed. The most common Wish is to Florida’s Give Kids the World. Our families stay at this amazing village that has been built for sick children and their families. In turn, Give Kids the World partners with the local parks such as Disney World, Universal and Sea World for families to enjoy. Other wishes include computers, shopping sprees, bedroom makeovers and meeting their heroes, to name a few.

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In 2022, our mission expanded to include embracing the family along this challenging journey. We provide financial resources to families in crisis, as well as holiday and birthday support to those in need. In addition, we have provided gas passes and grocery cards to meet basic needs while the family strives to get back on their feet.