World Wish Month is Almost Here!

This spring we’re excited to celebrate World Wish Month with a variety of activations that bring our community together in meaningful ways. We are also looking forward to our WISH Luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Sheila Johnson. Spring promises to be a time of connection, celebration, and impact.

Wyatt's Wish to Walt Disney World Resort

Wyatt is a confident, energetic six-year-old from Easton, Maryland with a big heart and unstoppable spirit. He loves animals, especially favorites like Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks and the creatures from Pokémon.

Being diagnosed with cancer has not stopped him from dreaming big. Wyatt is very close to his family and loves hanging out with his brother, Rhett. So, when his wish of going to Disney World and getting to meet his favorite characters was coming true, he was beyond excited to experience every magical moment alongside his family.

His adventure in Orlando was truly magical from beginning to end! From taking off into the world of Star Wars to riding the twists and turns of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Wyatt made sure to soak up each adventure.

One of the biggest highlights of his trip was attending Disney on Ice, where he was able to watch his favorite stories come to life. Each ride, each character he met, and each magical moment shared with his family made this trip a memory that would last a lifetime.

For Wyatt, the trip was full of fun filled moments at every turn. But for his parents, seeing their children so happy was the most important part of all! As they shared about the experience: “Wyatt worked so hard to get to this point and it brought joy, hope, and relief to all of us getting to watch him and Rhett bounce around Disney so carefree!”

A Night of Heart, Hope and Record-Breaking Impact

The 2026 Wish Ball

Wish Ball was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community shows up with open hearts. Hosted by Tommy McFly alongside our incredible wish kids, the evening brought together moments of joy, reflection, and storytelling.

Leaders from across the region, along with representatives from our local professional sports teams, showed what it means when an entire community rallies around hope.

The impact was extraordinary: a record-breaking $1,613,477 raised to help grant life-changing wishes.

It was a memorable night filled with emotion, generosity, and laughter—all in support of wish kids and the life-changing wishes that bring them hope and strength.

Watch our 2026 Wish Ball Recap Video

Alumni Corner

A Celebration of our Alumni Community

The alumni community showed up in full force at this year’s Wish Ball, bringing an incredible sense of connection and purpose to the evening.

Five Wish Ambassadors were featured in the program, powerfully sharing their stories and helping bring our mission to the forefront for everyone in attendance.

To close the program, all Wish Alumni in attendance and their family members joined Tommy McFly on stage in a moving moment of celebration and unity. Together, we honored the lasting impact of a wish and the strength of the community that continues to make these life-changing experiences possible.

Volunteers Needed

Become a WishMaker!

Wish Granting Volunteers serve as the heart of the wish journey, conducting family meetings, discovering children's true wishes, and providing ongoing support throughout the process.

Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic asks volunteers to make a one-year commitment and support 2-3 wishes per year.

Compassionate, dependable individuals age 18+ with cultural sensitivity and strong communication skills are encouraged to apply.

Volunteers we are in need of:

Spanish-speaking volunteers
Prince George County volunteers
Baltimore County volunteers
Frederick County volunteers
Eastern Shore volunteers (Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Accomack, and Northampton)
Loudon and Prince William County volunteers

To apply, please email our Volunteer Coordinator Rachel Schacht at volunteer@midatlantic.wish.org

Join Us at WISH Luncheon with

Featured Speaker Sheila Johnson

An Unforgettable Experience

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of community and impact at our annual WISH Luncheon—Women Inspiring Strength and Hope— hosted at the stunning Salamander Washington DC.

This meaningful event brings together more than 350 women leaders, changemakers, and philanthropists to celebrate the power of a wish and the hope it creates for children facing critical illnesses.

Tickets are on sale now, and space is limited. Your participation helps make more life-changing wishes possible across our community.

For tickets and more information, visit: womenforwishesdc.org.

World Wish Month is Almost Here!

Get Ready to Celebrate in April

World Wish Month, celebrated each April, honors the powerful impact of a wish and the mission of Make-A-Wish to grant life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. We encourage everyone to become a WishMaker—whether by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word—so we can continue creating moments of hope for children who need them most.

To get involved, please click here.

A Lasting Legacy of Compassion: Honoring Jane Mitchell

Philanthropy was a value deeply rooted in Jane Mitchell’s family. After the passing of their father, Jane and her siblings established the Elliott Mitchell Family Foundation to continue their family’s commitment to giving back. Over the years, Jane and her brothers, Jason and Stephen, supported many charitable causes through the foundation, with a particular focus on organizations that serve children.

Jane carried this spirit of generosity throughout her life. A longtime Rockville resident, she dedicated 35 years of service to the Environmental Protection Agency. Those who knew Jane remember her as thoughtful and committed to helping others. Although she never had children of her own, she had a special affection for helping young people and supporting organizations that improve children’s lives.

Before her passing in 2024, Jane included Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic in her estate plans, alongside Children’s National Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her legacy gift will help bring hope and strength to the 492 children currently on their wish journey across our region, helping ensure they experience the joy and encouragement a wish can provide during an incredibly challenging time.

Thank you, McCormick

Making Life Sweeter!

For the last 20 years, McCormick & Company has helped grant hundreds of wishes to children in Baltimore.

When a hometown brand known for adding flavor to life gives back, the result is something truly special! Thank you, McCormick, for your on-going support of our mission and for helping create brighter days for Baltimore families and the community.