Happy New Year from

Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic!

As we welcome the New Year, we are filled with excitement for all that lies ahead. The year to come promises unforgettable moments, meaningful events, and so much joy for wish kids and their families. We can’t wait to share everything that’s coming and to make this New Year truly special.

Mack's Moana-Inspired Wish

Nine-year-old Mackenzie from Stevensville, Maryland, amazes everyone who meets her. She has a nervous system disorder and is nonverbal, but that doesn’t limit her ability to express herself or share her bright, thoughtful mind with the world. Mack communicates using an iPad she controls with her eyes, and with each steady glance she conveys her ideas, her humor, and her incredible intelligence.

One of Mack’s greatest loves is the story of Moana. The music, the courage, the ocean adventure — it all inspires her. She watches the film with pure joy, her eyes lighting up at every familiar moment. So, when she wished to go to Walt Disney World® Resort, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic was determined to help her dream come true.

The family's trip was more meaningful than they ever imagined. Together, they explored the parks, shared laughter, and created memories that brought them even closer. For Mack, the most magical moment happened when she finally got to meet Moana in person.

Mack’s mom looks back on the trip saying, “We had the best time and we are eternally grateful for such a fun and stress free time in Disney. Disney is definitely Mackenzie’s happy place and getting to see her enjoy that was a breath of fresh air.”

For Mack, Moana isn’t just a favorite character — she’s a hero. And in so many ways, Mack reflects that same spirit: brave, resilient, and full of a quiet but powerful strength that inspires everyone around her.

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Alumni Corner

Nathan's Hope to Give Back

When Nathan was just 15 months old, he was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer that required the removal of his right eye. During this difficult time, he was granted a wish through Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, giving his family the opportunity to travel to Walt Disney World Resort and stay at Give Kids the World Village.

They chose to wait until Nathan was 4 and his brother was 2 so they could fully remember the experience. Volunteers created a scrapbook filled with photos and mementos from the trip, which the family revisits every November with a tradition of ice cream for breakfast.

This May, Nathan will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. For his service project, he wanted to do something deeply meaningful and personal. His goal is to help other children feel the same love, hope, and support that his family experienced during such a challenging period.

Nathan hopes to give back in two important ways:

By encouraging donations to Make-A-Wish

Mid-Atlantic through his fundraiser page, and by helping to fill the toy closet for children who are still waiting for their wishes to come true. With the support of his family and community, Nathan looks forward to making a positive impact and spreading that same sense of joy to others.

A Festive Night for Local Wishes

Holiday Cheer with Kingsley Models

We had a fantastic night celebrating the holidays with Kingsley Models at Chicken + Whiskey!

With lively karaoke, lots of laughter, and generous supporters, the event raised more than $1,500 for local wishes—turning a fun night out into meaningful impact.

Another Successful Gift-Wrapping Season at Tysons Galleria

A Decade of Giving

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the 10th Annual Gift Wrapping at Tyson’s Galleria was a huge success! Together, we raised over $24,000 to support our wish kids, helping bring hope, joy, and unforgettable experiences to the children and families we serve.

We are so grateful to everyone who wrapped, donated, and supported this cherished holiday tradition—here’s to 10 amazing years and counting!

Congressional Sports for Charity Supports Local Wish Kids

Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic is grateful to the Congressional Sports for Charity (CSC) for their generous $50,000 gift, which will help grant life-changing wishes for local children with critical illnesses.

On December 3, CSC celebrated the nonprofit organizations they support, and we were proud to be recognized among so many impactful D.C.–area charities serving children and families.

Congressional Sports for Charity is a bipartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises funds through sporting events, most notably the Congressional Baseball Game, bringing together members of Congress from both parties to support local causes. Through this spirit of collaboration, CSC makes a meaningful difference across our region.

We are honored to partner with CSC again this year and thankful for their commitment to helping wishes come true.

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