Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
LIVING WITH CRITICAL ILLNESS
Childhood only happens once — no do-overs.
Imagine an El Paso family whose child has just received a life-threatening diagnosis. Youth’s natural sense of wonder is suddenly overshadowed by the realities of shortened life expectancy, chemotherapy, or surgery. This child and her family face a challenging medical road ahead, made even more difficult by the family's financial struggles.
El Paso’s child poverty rate is among the highest in the nation. Data indicates that 18% of children live in poverty, (1) and 11% of families lack health care coverage – more than double the national average. (2) Regardless of their socioeconomic status, children with chronic illnesses face elevated risks for depressive symptoms (3) and anxiety disorders, with the National Institute for Mental Health reporting a 40% prevalence rate. A separate study found that 62% of children in pediatric care units experience post-traumatic stress. (4) The emotional health of children is directly tied to treatment outcomes, influencing their ability to adhere to medical regimens and recover effectively. Without adequate support, these children may experience prolonged hospital stays, increased medical complications, and diminished quality of life.
THE CHILDREN WE SERVE
This is where Make-A-Wish steps in to protect what illness tries to steal: the “anything is possible” spirit of childhood. More than a trip or a toy, our comprehensive wish journey provides support during an impossible journey – giving a child room to be a child again. Every wish is thoughtfully customized to reflect each child’s unique passions and sense of wonder.
We also ensure that wish experiences reflect the health needs and cultural context of every child. For example, if a child speaks Spanish at home, the wish granting team will connect her to a volunteer that also speaks Spanish. The goal is to build a diverse and inclusive environment that reflects the vibrant tapestry of the El Paso community.
In cases where a wish needs to be granted within a specific time frame due to medical reasons, rush wishes are provided. This includes wishes before surgeries, aligning with treatment protocols, or for children with declining health.
WAITING ON A WISH
Every child deserves their wish when they need it most. A wish gives back what illness tries to steal—courage, resilience, and hope. The heartbreak: the average wait time for a wish is now two years. In our El Paso Region alone, 90 children are currently waiting for their wish to be granted. The scale of need is staggering. The systems, volunteers, and staff are ready. But financial capacity is a barrier. The rising costs of goods, services, and travel post-COVID — combined with an 11% organic annual increase in medical referrals — have outpaced current fundraising levels. Without decisive investment, more children will continue to enter a line that only grows longer.
We are committing, boldly and decisively, to change this reality for these children. Our vision is clear: to eliminate the waitlist and ensure that EVERY child receives their wish without delay. To do this, we plan to surge capacity now, build the systems to reach every eligible child, and grow our fundraising base from $10 million to $17 million annually by 2030.
Our plan is both urgent and achievable. But it will require partners like the GECU Foundation — community members who believe in the healing power of a wish, and who are ready to invest in a legacy that will impact generations.
If we reach our $12,000 matching goal, combined with an additional $12,000 raised during the W.I.S.H. Society Tea paddle raise, these funds will directly support granting two life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses in El Paso, with a focus on high-impact technology wishes.
Today, nearly 100 children in our region are waiting for their wish. This funding will help us close that gap and move children from waiting to receiving a life-changing experience that restores hope during a difficult medical journey.
Research from the Science of Hope shows that hope is not just a feeling, but a measurable driver of resilience and improved health outcomes. A wish gives children something to look forward to, helping them build the strength and motivation to continue their treatment and recovery.
The GECU Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity established to maximize philanthropic efforts to benefit education, community programs and charitable giving. If you itemize deductions on your federal tax return, you may be entitled to claim your donation as a charitable deduction. Please consult your tax adviser.