UAE: Make-A-Wish Foundation brings smiles to 300 critically ill children – News

Since its inception in 2003, the foundation has granted more than 6,000 wishes

The UAE Make-A-Wish foundation has granted the wishes of more than 300 seriously ill children in the first six months of 2023, an Abu Dhabi official said.

Last week, the foundation presented a set of dolls to nine-year-old Munila, who she hopes to have during her birthday celebrations at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. The foundation teamed up with the hospital, Cleanco Waste Treatment, and Majid Kids to throw a huge birthday party. Munira’s family and friends also joined in the fun-filled celebration.

Since its inception in 2003, the foundation has granted more than 6,000 wishes, said Noha Elshorbagy, the foundation’s program manager.

“The Make-A-Wish Foundation helps fulfill the wishes of children aged 3 to 18 with serious illnesses. We have four categories: wish to have, wish to leave, wish to meet and wish to be,” Noha told the Khalij Times.

During Eid al-Adha last month, the foundation, in partnership with the Emirates Foundation, granted the wishes of seven seriously ill children.

“In the first six months of this year, the foundation has granted more than 300 wishes. Most of the children suffer from different types of serious diseases such as type 1 diabetes, thalassemia, cancer.”

Noha emphasized that bringing a smile to the faces of sick children is a feeling of happiness and fulfillment.

“The kids said we gave them the power to continue treatment, but what they didn’t know was that they encouraged us to continue doing what we were doing, which was fulfilling their wishes and making them happy.”

The foundation depends on the recommendation of a medical professional and the request of parents and children. The child’s medical eligibility is then determined, and the foundation’s team understands the type of wish and then works to make it come true.

To realize these aspirations, the Foundation relies on the donations and participation of companies, institutions and individuals who provide support and patronage financially, through many services and in-kind donations.

“We’re constantly making wishes come true. It’s a process that never stops,” she added.

To apply for Wish and more details visit https://makeawish.ae/