Karen Cunningham knows firsthand the positive impact that Make-A-Wish Canada brings to families with children facing critical illnesses.
Her eight-year-old son, Joel, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was just four.
“We went through three years of chemotherapy and a lot of trips to the hospital,” Cunningham said. “He has a good prognosis and we’re so grateful for that.”
He was granted his wish through Make-A-Wish Canada in January, when his family enjoyed the magical Give The Kids The World Resort, which is exclusively tailored for Wish families and designed to accommodate children with critical illnesses.
She describes their trip, where everything was arranged and taken care of for their family, as a priceless experience after years of uncertainty, trauma and negativity.
Traveling internationally with critically ill children is often challenging due to insurance restrictions. However, Make-A-Wish navigates these hurdles and makes dreams come true, opening doors to experiences that might otherwise remain unattainable.
“Make-A-Wish does things in a way that families could never do on their own, whether it is due to affordability or that you just wouldn’t realistically be able to plan or access the resources to make it happen, like with celebrity meet and greets,” said Cunningham.
Now that her family has come out of the other side of hardship, Karen wants to help make a difference for others facing difficult health situations.
That is why she is taking part in the Make-A-Wish Canada Women for Wishes campaign, where 100 women across the country have pledged to raise $10,000 each, aiming for a combined total of $1 million to grant more wishes.
One of the unique ways she hopes to raise money for the campaign is by spearheading the Wishes Adventure Quest.
Utilizing the Goosechase scavenger hunt app, participants will contribute a minimum of $20 on Karen's donor page and receive a passcode to join.
The interactive app presents participants with 40-60 missions, categorized as ‘go’ missions, ‘do’ missions, and ‘make’ missions, all tailored for families with children. By completing missions and earning points, participants become eligible for prizes.
The missions range from visiting local libraries and sharing favourite books to finding hidden stickers, making slime, creating cards for loved ones and cooling off in the water. The campaign ensures inclusivity by providing options that do not require cars or substantial financial resources, making it accessible to anyone who wants to support Make-A-Wish in a family-fun way.
The Wishes Adventure Quest will begin on July 3 and conclude on Aug. 13 and participants can join the quest at any time within the given period.
“I know a lot of people don’t think of Make-A-Wish as local, but they help kids across the country who have critical, life threatening illnesses including a number of children right here in Simcoe County," said Cunningham.
The impact of granting wishes is remarkable, she says.
“Employees say they cannot count how many kids they know who passed away shortly after their wish was granted,” said Cunningham. “The anticipation of the wish, and the fulfillment of the wish itself, gives them something to hold on to.”
Make-A-Wish parents have also reported that the experience improved the emotional, physical and mental health of the sick child and also provided an important opportunity for the family to bond and create memories together.
“Having a child with a serious illness impacts the entire family,” said Cunningham, “And Make-A-Wish recognizes that and makes it an experience for everyone.”
To learn more about how you can take part in the Wishes Adventure Quest and support children facing life-limiting illnesses, click here.
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