$154,438 raised by 514 donors
94% complete
$165,000 Goal
The hope and joy of a wish is the most valuable gift you can give this holiday season.
Make-A-Wish Colorado grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We're on a mission to grant the wish of every eligible child because research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness.
Together, we can continue to bring strength, hope, and joy into the lives of children across Colorado. Donate now to grant more wishes —because when you give, hope becomes possible.
In 2020, Antonia and her family were planning a ski trip when they received devastating news: Antonia had lymphoma. Multiple rounds of chemotherapy left Antonia withdrawn and depressed. “It was hard to see my 10-year-old go from being a happy, healthy kid to a girl who suffered,” said her mom, Elisa. Antonia’s illness also impacted her younger sister, Clara, who felt lost in the shadows of treatment. Despite this dark time, the sisters share an unbreakable bond, navigating life’s challenges together. When Antonia learned she would be granted a wish, she wished for the family ski trip they had dreamed of and lost. “After everything we’d gone through, we got to look forward to something,” Clara said.
Thanks to supporters like you, Antonia’s family lived out their dream ski trip in the Rockies, enjoying the slopes and a spa day. “As a mom, it has been the best wish because I saw both of my girls suffering in different ways. The emotional harm...it’s being repaired now,” Elisa said.
Today, Antonia is thriving and healthy. She credits her wish for bringing her family closer. “It was like a celebration of everything I've gone through and how strong my family is together. Now, we can just live."
You can grant more life-changing wishes like Antonia's when you give today!
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Make-A-Wish Colorado was founded in 1983 by Joan Mazak, in memory of her daughter, Jennifer. Jennifer spent most of her life in and out of the hospital as she was being treated for a liver disease. She passed the time listening to her favorite radio station, KIMN, and dreamed of meeting the station’s mascot—a chicken! One summer morning in 1983, the KIMN Chicken showed up at her door and the two spent the day together. Joan witnessed the profound effect this experience had on her daughter. With the help of friends, family and members of the community, she founded the Colorado chapter of Make-A-Wish shortly after Jennifer passed away to bring that same magic to other children. Every wish since has sought to honor Jennifer’s legacy of hope and joy.
Since then, our chapter has granted 6,700 life-changing wishes for children in Colorado. Looking ahead, our vision remains steadfast: to bring hope and grant the wish of every eligible child. We believe in the power of a wish because when a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, their life turns upside down. A wish can be the spark that helps them believe that anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illnesses.
Organization name
Make-A-Wish Colorado
other names
MAWCO
1983
Tax id (EIN)
74-2273004
Category
Human Services, Health Care
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
7951 E. Maplewood Avenue Suite 126Arapahoe County, CO, US