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A Special Wish Foundation – Dayton Chapter is a wish granting organization whose mission is to grant the wish of a child or adolescent (birth through age 20) who has been diagnosed by a physician with a life-threatening disorder. We strive to provide children and their families with special time together and a sense of normalcy despite the challenges they are experiencing. Since 1983, our chapter has granted over 1,700 wishes to children living in the Dayton area.

A Special Wish Foundation is funded strictly through the generosity of community members and local businesses and foundations.  All donations received stay right here within our community to benefit local children fighting a life-threatening illness. Please consider making a donation at https://www.aspecialwishdayton.org/donate-now so you can help grant very Special Wishes to local children. You can read about a few of our recent Wish Kids below.

 ALEXIS wished to MEET MOANA

Young girl posing with Moana  

How Far I’ll Go

Disney Princess, Moana, was soo excited to have Alexis visit her at her home in Hawaii earlier this year. Alexis was originally going to visit in 2017, however, the trip had to be postponed due to a serious turn for the worse in Alexis' health. Moana visited Alexis in the hospital to encourage her to get better so she could visit her at her home in Hawaii. Alexis pulled through and she and her family were able to have a WONDERFUL time. After the trip, Alexis’ mom stated, “We can’t thank A Special Wish Foundation enough and everyone who has prayed and wished us well. We had the best time!”


Eli wished to go to walt disney world



Family at Disney World posing with Thing 1 & Thing 2


   Having a Seussical time


Eli and his family spent a lot of time Walt Disney World and Universal Studios meeting a lot of characters, but hands down, Minnie Mouse was Eli’s favorite. He wouldn’t let go of her and kept running back and hugging her. They ended up going to see her almost every day. Eli’s Mom said, “We are feeling so blessed for the amazing time we had as a family and it was an unforgettable trip for sure! So thankful and amazed by all the blessings and the kindness he received on our trip!” Eli’s wish was sponsored by Panera Bread through their round up program.

ANA IS READY FOR COLLEGE

Young girl posing with stuffed bear and computer equipment

“I Can Go the Distance”

Ana is headed to Sinclair Community College this fall and will be ready with her brand new laptop and camera supplies! She is so excited to start this chapter in her life and wanted to make sure she had everything needed to succeed for her interest in marketing and photography. Good luck, Ana! We wish you best!

 ellie wished TO go to walt disney world



Mother and young daughter smiling in Orlando, FL

  “A Dream is a Wish the Heart Makes”


Ellie and her family spent a week in Orlando soaking up the sun and meeting all of the Disney characters. Ellie’s Mom said, “Miss Ellie is having the time of her life on her Special Wish! We cannot thank you all enough!” Her wish was sponsored by UBS.

Anyone can refer a child for consideration for a Special Wish online at https://www.aspecialwishdayton.org/refer-a-child and we will contact the family once submitted. Brothers, sisters, neighbors, nurses, doctors, coaches, family and friends can all can help be a part of something special!  If you have any questions at all, please contact us at (937) 223-WISH.

Once A Special Wish Foundation knows a child is medically eligible, our staff works with the wish child’s family to begin planning their Special Wish: Receiving A Special Gift, Visiting A Special Place, Meeting A Special Hero or anything their mind can imagine.

Using the wish child’s imagination to guide the process, we work to develop an unforgettable wish experience for the child and their family, providing an escape, even for a brief time, filled with moments of laughter, happiness, and hope.

Individuals of all ages give their time, talents, and gifts through penny wars, bakes sales, serving on our board, helping with events and much much more. Every coin and every minute add up to make a lasting difference for our Wish Kids and helps us fulfill our mission year after year. We are thankful to the many Dayton area companies, organizations, individuals and volunteers for their generous donations and support.

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