Many wonderful organizations around the world bring help and hope to children affected by cancer, their families and adult survivors.
The following is a selection of resources that we think may be valuable to you. We hope this directory will grow in time to include resources in many countries.
If you know of a good resource not listed within these pages, please email web@wechope.org with the information so we can look into listing it.
In addition to the wish-granting organizations listed below, many local organizations provide special experiences for children. Ask your hospital social worker for information on services in your area. The Association of Wish Granting Organizations also has a list of affiliated organizations offering wishes to children throughout the world.
The Children’s Dream Factory (USA)
Grants wishes for chronically or seriously ill children aged 3-18 in 15 States across America. Also refers to other wish-granters in areas not covered by existing chapters.
Children’s Wish Foundation (International)
Has offices in Atlanta, Georgia and Oxford, UK. Grants wishes to children from around the world who are aged under 18 and have a life threatening medical condition.
The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada
Grants wishes to children ages 3 to 18 with high-risk, life-threatening diseases. There are chapters throughout Canada, and the website is also available in French.
Dreamflight (UK)
An annual, all-expenses paid and medically supported trip to Disney World and the other central Florida attractions for 290 British children (1 full boeing 747) with disabilities and/or serious and life-threatening illnesses. Children must be aged between 7-14. This is not a wish-granting charity, but provides trip-of-a-lifetime experiences for deserving children who must be nominated for their place on the flight.
Give Kids The World (international)
Established by a Florida businessman who cared about one little girl’s wish, GKTW Village is a non-profit resort for children with life-threatening illnesses whose one wish is to visit central Florida’s best loved attractions. Provides accommodation through wish-granting organizations and independent funding of wish-trips to Walt Disney World and other Central Florida attractions.
Make A Wish Foundation (International)
Worldwide chapters and affiliates in 30 countries. Grants wishes to children aged under 18, from anywhere in the world, who have a life-threatening illness.
Make A Wish Foundation Australasia
Make A Wish Foundation International
Marty Lyons Foundation (USA)
Has chapters throughout the Eastern and Southern USA which grant wishes to children ages 3 to 17 who have a chronic, life-threatening or terminal disease.
New Hope for Kids (USA)
An Orlando-based organisation granting wishes to children aged under 18 who have life-threatening illnesses. NHFK focuses primarily on children living in Florida, but has also granted wishes to children from other parts of the US, Canada, England, and Russia.
A Special Wish Foundation (USA)
Grants wishes to seriously ill children from birth to age 20 across the USA.
Rays of Sunshine (UK)
Grants wishes to seriously ill children aged 3 – 18 years who are resident in the UK.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation (International)
Grants wishes to seriously ill children ages 4 to 18. Also provides retreat opportunities and supportive care to seriously ill children.
Strarlight Children’s Foundation Australia
Strarlight Children’s Foundation Canada
Strarlight Children’s Foundation UK
Strarlight Children’s Foundation USA
Sunshine Foundation (USA)
Grants wishes to chronically or terminally ill children, aged 3 to 21. Also provides retreat village breaks near Orlando, and DreamLift day trips to Disney World. Has no geographic boundaries.
The Sunshine Foundation of Canada
Has chapters across the country. Grants wishes to children aged 3-19 who are challenged by life threatening illnesses or severe physical disabilities. Also runs Dreamlift day trips to children aged 7-19.
