Every 35 minutes, a wish is granted. This means that every 35 minutes, a child with a life-threatening medical condition learns that their dream is coming true. Founded in 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted over 270,000 wishes to children in the United States alone, and that number continues to grow every day.

This organization gives kids the opportunity to just be kids: the child can just forget about their illness and truly enjoy themselves. Families get to see their child's dream become a reality, instead of accompanying them to doctor's offices and hospitals. Wishes range anywhere from going on a trip to Disney World, meeting Lebron James, or even being a police officer for the day.

Kaitlyn, a North Texas teenager, wished to meet Bethany Hamilton, the world-famous surfer. Kaitlyn, along with nine other Wish kids, flew to Hawaii and experienced a week-long surf camp with Bethany. The kids got to surf with their role model, make sand castles and enjoy shaved ice under the hot Hawaiian sunshine. It was a week of inspiration, memories and unforgettable moments, all thanks to Make-A-Wish.

Charlie, and eight-year-old with leukemia, wished to go to Alaska. Throughout his childhood, he always dreamed of exploring the outdoors. Thanks to Make-A-WIsh, Charlie went to Alaska, saw a black bear in the wild, went fishing and even flew in a seaplane.

I am lucky to be a part of an organization that supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Chi Omega has raised over $12.9 million since 2002. SMU Chi Omega specifically raises money for Make-A-Wish of North Texas, and we have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars at our three events during the school year: Work It For Wishes, Bid For Wishes, and Cookies and Cocoa with Chi O. In fact, our chapter raised $129,000 at Bid For Wishes alone last semester. Most of the time, a Wish kid is also present at these events, and sometimes their wishes are granted right in front of us. It is like watching magic happen right in front of you.

Make-A-Wish empowers children to keep fighting harder against their illness. These kids are happier, stronger and more energetic. They have a more positive outlook on life, and, according to Make-A-Wish facts, many parents and doctors say that the wish experiences mark the turning point in kids’ medical battles. Their wish gives them hope to live longer, and that there is more for them to see and do in life.