Make-A-Wish Michigan, which has offices in Brighton and Grand Rapids, has been fulfilling the dreams of children with critical illnesses in need of some hope and brightness since it granted its first wish in 1984. The nonprofit organization has granted more than 10,000 wishes to date. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has shifted some of its events, but it continues to seek funding. With the purpose of strengthening kids and families, rallying communities, and changing lives, Make-A-Wish Michigan aims to spread joy during otherwise hard times. Granting more than 416 wishes last year, the foundation is constantly striving to fulfill as many wishes and dreams as possible while posting the inspirational stories online in order to spread hope and love. By generating funding through their signature events such as Walk for Wishes, Wish Ball, the Trailblaze Challenge, and the Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour, they are able to go above and beyond for the children they care for. Fulfilling wishes does more than just put a smile on a child’s face as many health professionals believe there are real benefits that can stem from the experience, the organization says. Making a wish can drastically improve a child’s happiness and health while reconnecting them with friends and family, thus strengthening their ability to fight their illnesses.