Magical Moments with Ozzy at Walt Disney World Resort | | | | |
Four-year-old Ozzy from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, has a way of making people smile almost instantly. Even while facing cancer, Ozzy continues to show just how strong and resilient he is.
What Ozzy loves most is simply being with his family. Whether he’s playing with his cousin or spending time with his grandparents, those moments mean everything to him. You can tell how much he values being surrounded by the people who love him most—it’s where he’s happiest.
He also has a big love for Disney, especially Stitch from Lilo & Stitch. Ozzy wished to go to Walt Disney World Resort, where he could see his favorite Disney characters come to life.
Ozzy’s father reflected on the trip saying, “Give Kids the World was amazing, accommodations and all the volunteers truly made our trip easy and less stressful! He loved the robot that carried around stacks, the ice cream all day long, and being able to run around the parks there all night.”
| | | Support Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic with DCMC | | |
We’re thrilled to partner with DC Motorsport and Casamara Rooftop on June 7, 2026, from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, for an unforgettable, Monaco–inspired daytime celebration in the heart of Washington, DC.
Bringing the excitement of the Monaco Grand Prix to life, the event will feature a glamorous setting with brunch, champagne, and live DJ sets—all in support of a meaningful cause.
Set high above the city at Casamara Rooftop, guests can expect VIP energy at every turn while helping grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic.
| | | Celebrate Summer Wishes at 18th & 21st | | | | |
Join us for Summer of Wishes: Wishes Take Flight on June 22, 2026, at 18th & 21st in Columbia, Maryland. Enjoy an evening of great food, open bar and live music—all in support of granting summer wishes.
Last summer, we granted over 100 wishes (62 travel-related), and we’re on track to exceed that this year.
From tropical getaways to Alaska and beyond, these experiences bring hope and joy to children and families when they need it most.
Please reach out to Bradley Norwood at bnorwood@midatlantic.wish.org if you have any questions.
| | Small Stands, Big Impact: Meet Ella and Addie | | |
For the past few summers, sisters Ella (9) and Addie (6) have been turning something simple into something extraordinary—one lemonade stand at a time. With big smiles and even bigger hearts, Ella and Addie set up their lemonade stand each summer, proudly donating every dollar they earn to Make-A-Wish. Their goal is simple: bring joy to other kids who need it most.
Ella’s generosity doesn’t stop there.
At just five years old, she launched her own business, Earrings for Life, where she designs and sells handmade earrings. Even more inspiring—she donates 50% of all proceeds to help grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses. Ella has donated more than $700 to support wish kids—an incredible milestone for a young entrepreneur with a big heart.
Ella’s earrings are even featured in a local boutique, Wild Horses, located in Fulton, Maryland (11811 W Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759), giving her the chance to share her creations—and her mission—with even more people in the community.
Together, Ella and Addie are a powerful reminder that you don’t have to be an adult to make a difference. Their kindness, joy, and determination are creating real impact—one cup of lemonade and one pair of earrings at a time.
Want to join them?
This summer, you can be a WishMaker too. Whether it’s a lemonade stand, a bake sale, or your own creative idea, every effort helps bring hope and strength to children in our community.
We’ve made it easy to get started. Check out our WishMaker toolkit and materials, and start planning your own fundraiser today. You have the power to make wishes come true.
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Arielle from Fall Church, Virginia, was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. With courage and a love for adventure, she wished to go on an African safari.
During their Tanzania adventures, Arielle and her family enjoyed a lush picnic in the park, visiting the Ngorongoro Conservatory, exploring the Serengeti, spending the night in the outdoor KasKaz Mara Camp, and seeing giraffes!
Now in high school, Arielle is a member of the Riverbend Fútbol Club (RBFC). RBFC is a proud partner of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, uniting the power of sport with a mission to bring hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses.
Through this collaboration, RBFC is supporting Make-A-Wish’s efforts by creating unique, soccer-centered experiences for wish children and their families.
The partnership includes fundraising initiatives, awareness campaigns, and opportunities for RBFC players and families to get involved in supporting Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic.
| | | Save the Date for Alumni Reunion | | | | |
Join us on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Bar T Ranch in Gaithersburg, Maryland for a day full of fun, laughter, and reconnecting with fellow wish alumni and their families.
Enjoy exciting activities like ziplining, climbing rock walls, arts and crafts, and so much more.
We can’t wait to celebrate together and create more unforgettable memories!
| | | Join our Alumni Committee | | Are you interested in helping shape the future of our alumni program? We’re looking for alumni families who are interested join our Alumni Committee to help plan events, fundraisers, and other meaningful opportunities to keep our community connected. If you’re interested, please reach out to Kaylan King at kking@midatlantic.wish.org. | | |
For over a decade, the Aegon Transamerica Foundation has been a deeply valued partner of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, contributing over $250,000 to help bring life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. Their commitment to strengthening communities is felt in meaningful ways—especially in Baltimore.
This year, Transamerica’s generous $15,000 gift to our Baltimore Wish Fund will help create moments of joy, hope, and renewed strength for local children and their families. Each wish, whether it’s traveling to a dream destination, creating a special space at home, or meeting a personal hero, represents far more than a single experience. It’s a powerful turning point during a difficult medical journey.
We are incredibly grateful for Transamerica’s continued partnership and unwavering generosity. Their employee-driven philanthropy and deep investment in the communities they serve are helping make brighter futures possible, one wish at a time.
| | Thank you, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation | | | | |
For years, Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation have been partners of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, bringing hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses across our region. Through wish granting and the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer campaign, Monumental Sports & Entertainment continues to support wish kids and their families.
This year, the Foundation granted $30,000 to Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic in support of wish experiences that create memories during some of life’s most difficult moments.
In addition, the Washington Capitals deepened their commitment through sponsorship support of the 2026 Wish Ball, chaired by Karl and Mandy Alzner, Braden and Brandi Holtby, Tali and Michael Cohen, and Wish Family Chairs Kristin and Chip Burkhalter.
We were also honored to welcome Sheila Johnson as the featured speaker at our 2026 WISH Luncheon, where she inspired guests through a powerful conversation about leadership and philanthropy.
We are grateful to Monumental Sports & Entertainment for granting wishes for children whose dreams connect to MSE’s teams, including the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, and Capital City Go-Go.
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