Performing Hajj and Having Fun at Disneyland is Now a Reality for Children with Chronic Illness with Make-A-Wish

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has been making the wishes of 26 children come true by allowing them to travel abroad in 2024. A heartwarming effort to bring joy to the lives of children fighting chronic illnesses, this foundation made dreams come true for these children between January and September.

According to Hani Al-Zubaidi, CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation, these trips are of great importance because seeing new places and exploring other cultures could have the most long-lasting impact on children with serious health challenges. “For children who struggle with chronic illnesses, the opportunity to see the world and explore new cultures, in addition to the spirituality of fulfilling wishes for Hajj and Umrah, and experiencing joy away from their daily routines, is not just a trip; it is a life-changing experience. It gives them the strength, hope, and emotional resilience they need to continue their fight.”

 The wishes consisted of three children performing Umrah, one performing Hajj, and several others visiting Disneyland in Paris, Orlando, and Tokyo. Other wishes saw children visit some of the world’s most famous sites, including Paris, London, Switzerland, Thailand, Egypt, and Jordan among many others.

Al-Zubaidi thanked the donors for their support with these words: “We owe a big thank you to our partners, donors, and supporters. Their steadfast support and continuous generosity have enabled us to bring smiles to the faces of these children, fulfilling their wishes to see the world beyond their borders and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

The foundation will stay steadfast with the aim of making dreams come true for as many children as possible, offering hope, strength, and happiness to people who need it the most.