Make-A-Wish Western New York

The Buffalo Make-A-Wish Gala is only a few weeks away - and you're invited! Join us Saturday March 9 at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino to celebrate the power of a wish and the people who grant them, generously presented by the Paul A. Saffrin Family Foundation. Don't miss an elegant evening of dinner, dancing and best of all - making wishes come true!

Thanks to our friends at BuzzRx, over 650 life-changing wishes have been made possible for wish kids like Lydia. This month, in celebration of 10 years granting wishes together, BuzzRx will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish America for every app download, up to $10,000! Get the free BuzzRx app on Google Play or the Apple App Store to save up to 80% on prescriptions at over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide: https://lnkd.in/gBf3xXdK

"With each passing year I appreciate more and more the journey that a ‘single wish’ gave to Philip. By giving to Philip, our entire family was propelled toward something so much more important than a single wish or even a single day.  We had no idea what was ahead of us when Philip’s school nurse first proposed the idea that he could dream of a wish. In what has now become lore – Philip asked ‘simply’ to manage the Red Sox for a day because “they need the help.” After being told that only those in uniform could manage the team (fair enough!) – Philip quickly decided that he wished to sing the National Anthem at a Red Sox game. The fact that Philip could not actually carry a tune wasn’t even an impediment as we all moved forward. With a little help from the Boston Conservatory of Music – the wish, in fact the entire day – was fabulous! That was 22 years ago today. September 6 will forever be Philip’s wish day, as our family reaches out to join Philip in celebration each year, all wishing him a great Wish Day Anniversary. Our story is not unusual. A wish transformed a child who was struggling with illness, gave him affirmative hope and joy, and continues to give a family a happy memory that is integral to their history. A wish does that for many other families as well, in their own healing, in their own coming together, in their own ability to look at a brighter future where a larger community rallies around to say 'we care.' Thank you so much for making life-changing wishes like Philip’s come true." - Phil Lussier, Wish Dad and President & CEO, Make-A-Wish Metro and Western New York Learn how you can make a long term impact on a family like Phil's: https://bit.ly/44FXljo

“My wish was my new beginning - it helped my transition back to high school, to ‘normal.’ With hair loss, weight gain from steroids, and no physical strength, I felt like a completely different person. I didn't feel ‘normal,’ but I didn’t feel ‘sick’ either; I felt like I was stuck in limbo.      So, when I was given the chance to wish, I chose clothes and beauty products - but the most important item was my wig. I was too ashamed to let anyone see my head – it was a clear sign that I was a cancer patient. The wig made me the closest to normal that I’d been in a long time. It made me feel comfortable with myself and now I am on the way back!” -Elly, Wish Alum   Going back to school can mean very different things for wish kids. For some, like Elly, it brings severe anxiety and a feeling of isolation from their peers. But a wish can help. 🌟 Hear more from Elly on her battle with cancer and how her wish is helping her find her future: https://bit.ly/3OXoF6K

Meet Princess María! 👑 We’re celebrating World Princess Week with Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. 🏰 While in the hospital for rigorous leukemia treatments, María took comfort in her favorite Disney princess movies. For her wish, María wanted to be real-life royalty! On her wish day, María found family and friends gathered with gifts. After changing into a glittering gold Belle dress, María glowed with joy during her makeover. Then, María sat down at a laptop for a surprise message: Princess Belle appeared – speaking Spanish, just like María! As Belle told the tale of Princess María, María grinned with pure joy. Finally, María rode away in a horse-drawn carriage. “María was fascinated by Belle and kept telling me that ‘Belle is like me, we are the same, she speaks Spanish like me!’” said Brenda, María’s mother. “We are beyond grateful for Make-A-Wish and Disney for granting María her wish – it exceeded our expectations!” 💙 For more magical wish stories, visit wish.org/Disney 🌟 #DisneyWishes

We’re so thrilled to announce that the Wishathon is coming back to Rochester! We'll be taking over the airwaves to share inspirational stories about the power of a wish from local wish kids, families and beyond. Be sure to tune to iHeart Radio 95.1 and 13WHAM ABC on September 13 to support of life-changing wishes in the greater Rochester region - you won't want to miss it! Learn more and make a donation today: rochesterwishes.com

Meet Princess Michaela! 👑 We’re celebrating #WorldPrincessWeek with Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. 🏰 Michaela knows the words to almost every Disney princess song and fantasized about becoming a princess in her own fairy tale. After being diagnosed with a vascular disorder, playing dress-up became an escape and coping mechanism for Michaela. Jasmine is Michaela’s favorite princess because she is courageous and seeks adventure. When granted a wish, Michaela knew she wanted to go to Walt Disney World and meet Princess Jasmine! “The minute Jasmine walked into the room, Michaela’s eyes were glowing, and she was so enthralled with her!” said Michaela’s mom, Joy. “It was an indescribable moment.” ✨ “We were able to focus on our family and celebrate life and the blessings we’ve been given,” Joy said. “The wish really did make Michaela feel better, and it was healing for our entire family.” Thank you, Disney! For more magical wish stories, visit wish.org/Disney 🌟 #DisneyWishes

Today is National Aviation Day, and we’re celebrating our amazing airline partners! ✈ We know that wish trips change lives – thank you for going above and beyond to bring the joy of travel wishes to our wish kids by providing the gift of flights. Learn more about our travel partners and how to join them in donating your air miles or points to help grant wishes: wish.org/travel. #TripsThatTransform ⭐ Allegiant American Airlines Delta Air Lines JetBlue Southwest Airlines United Airlines