Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire (OCIE) has a singular mission – creating life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses in our local communities. Make-A-Wish traces its history and inspiration back to 1980 and, more specifically, a 7-year-old boy named Chris Greicius and his inspiring wish to become a police officer. While Chris battled leukemia, the local community came together to make his wish of becoming an Arizona State Trooper come true and, in the process, sparked a 45-year wish granting movement that has grown to 57 chapters in the United States and over 50 countries. In 1983, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire became the seventh chapter founded and, with the help of our incredibly generous and selfless army of volunteers, has since granted the wishes of 8,400 children in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. For families, the diagnosis of a critical illness for a child brings not just physical challenges but also immense emotional, behavioral, and mental burdens for the entire family. The toll of constant hospitalization and medical procedures often leads to emotional distress, depression, and a sense of disconnect from a normal childhood. These children deserve support that encompasses their entire well-being. That support comes in the form of a wish. For these families, a wish empowers and inspires them to comply with treatment, manage their way through the tough days and look ahead to something that gives them hope. Hope isn’t just a vague concept; it’s a powerful force that impacts every aspect of a critically ill child’s life. It offers the courage to face adversity, the strength to persevere, and the belief that betters days lie ahead. Incorporating hope into their journey not only improves their outlook but also contributes significantly to their overall well-being. Our vision is to grant the wish of every eligible child that is battling a critical illness in our local communities.

This past year was truly extraordinary for Make-A-Wish OCIE. Together with our generous supporters and dedicated volunteers, we granted 273 life-changing wishes, giving local children facing critical illnesses moments of pure joy and the strength to keep fighting. We also built new community partnerships with hospitals, schools, and caring businesses that helped us reach more families when they needed us most. And we deepened our connection with donors and volunteers, creating a stronger, more compassionate network than ever before. Looking ahead, our hearts are set on even bigger dreams. In the coming year, we aim to grant 300 wishes, making sure every eligible child in our local community is reached. Each wish represents a meaningful milestone in a child’s healing journey providing hope, joy, and emotional strength during an otherwise difficult time. We expect that 100% of wish recipients and their families will experience significant positive impacts, including increased emotional well-being, strengthened family bonds, and improved resilience. Research and feedback from medical professionals show that wishes can:
• Boost children’s motivation to comply with treatments
• Reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression
• Provide families with treasured moments of normalcy and connection
We plan to grow our base of supporters, welcoming new corporate and foundation friends, while nurturing and training our volunteers so every wish shines with care and magic. Finally, we’ll continue to share the stories and measure the impact of each wish, showing our community how powerful a single dream can be. Together, we can bring hope, joy, and strength to every child who needs us.

Right now, there are 400 children with critical illnesses in our local community waiting for their wishes to be granted – some waiting over 2 years. The primary reason they are waiting is funding. In addition to these 400 families, we get on average an additional 35 new referrals each month introducing us to another family battling a critical illness. These children come from socio-economic backgrounds and our organization is dedicated to ensuring that every eligible child, regardless of their family's financial situation, race, and ethnicity, can experience the transformative power of a wish. Our chapter depends on the support of generous individuals, foundations, corporations, and community donors to help reach our vision of granting the wish of every eligible critically ill child. We do not receive government funding and fully cover the cost of each wish experience for the entire family alleviating the financial burden so that families can focus on their child's care without additional financial strain. Through in-kind donations and donated services, such as airline miles and lodging discounts, we minimize cash expenses and amplify donors' impact. We urgently need community support to assist these wish families.

Serving over 28,000 square miles in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

At Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, our mission is simple yet powerful: to grant life-changing wishes that bring hope, joy, and strength to children facing critical illnesses. Every day, we meet brave kids across Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties who are undergoing intense medical treatments. Their courage and dreams remind us why wishes matter. A wish is more than a moment of celebration; it is a turning point. We see children light up with confidence and families find renewed strength as they experience the magic of a wish fulfilled. But we can’t do this alone. Your support makes every wish possible, from a backyard playset that helps a child in recovery, to a trip that offers a family precious time together. We remain steadfastly committed to our mission: to ensure that every eligible child receives the gift of a wish. Together, we can continue to bring hope, joy, and strength to every child who needs it most.

Granting Wishes Together,

Anne Grey
President & CEO
Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire