Know a child facing an illness? Miami’s Make-A-Wish wants to help more kids | Opinion
If I told you a local nonprofit was helping increase the survival rate of critically ill children, you might assume they were funding medical research.
And while organizations doing that are doing noble and essential work, physical medicine isn’t the only way a life can be saved.
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, based in Miami, believes — and physicians agree — that the power of a wish can help young people overcome life-threatening illnesses.
It’s medicine for the mind and soul at the most critical moments, when infusions of hope, strength, and joy can mean the difference between a child who keeps fighting and one who gives up.
Started in 1983 by the Plantation Junior Woman’s Club, the Southern Florida chapter has granted more than 14,000 wishes. The 14,000th wish came true when Charlie, a 5-year-old who is battling leukemia, received his custom golf cart. It is our vision to grant the wish of every medically-eligible child in our territory. In a typical year, we grant more than 625 wishes to local children with critical illnesses.
While many people see these experiences — to go somewhere, to have something, to meet someone, or to be something — as “nice gestures” for kids in difficult circumstances, the truth is they’re often a vital part of recovery. And these wishes come at no cost or obligation to the families who receive them.
More can be done
I’m not writing this to boast about the 15,000+ kids and families we’ve supported over the past 40 years — though that number is meaningful — but to make something clear: We’re ready and able to do more.
We recently opened the Finker-Frenkel Wish House, our new headquarters in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood. The 25,000-sq.-ft. building, at 343 NW Sixth St., is five stories tall and overlooks Interstate 95 and the downtown skyline.
At the heart of this facility is “Wish Works,” an immersive, multimedia experience created by a former Disney Imagineer.
It helps children discover their ideal wish by encouraging them to dream beyond their current reality — opening a world of possibilities.
Because of our generous donors, strong leadership and an army of dedicated volunteers, we have never had to deny a wish due to lack of funds — and we’re positioned to make sure we never do.
So what do we need? Just one thing: referrals.
Whether it’s your child, a neighbor, a student at your child’s school or someone in your extended community — we can’t help if we don’t know about them.
Anyone with some knowledge of a child’s medical condition can start the process online. While doctors often initiate referrals, parents, teachers and even the children themselves can submit one.
Once a doctor confirms that the illness qualifies, the child will receive a wish — whatever that may be.
(And no, the child does not need to be terminally ill, as is often mistakenly believed.)
For Jackson, that meant writing, directing, and starring in his own movie. Tatiana wished for and received a mini goldendoodle puppy. Gemma got behind-the-scenes VIP access at Zoo Miami and met her favorite animals.
You’re Invited
Knowing we played a small role in making those dreams come true has transformed our family. Now we’re inviting you to be part of that magic.
Referring a child takes just a few minutes. It costs nothing. And it can profoundly change a life forever.
Will you join us?
Eugene Frenkel chairs the Board of Directors for Miami-based Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Learn more at www.wish.org/sfla and follow them on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Make-A-Wish Southern Florida serves children and families in 22 Florida counties in Southeast and Southwest Florida, the Tampa Bay and Suncoast regions and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This story was originally published July 2, 2025 at 11:39 AM.