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We Believe
1Wish is a non-profit movement that thoroughly believes and is dedicated to presenting hope to children in need, their families and their communities. 1Wish exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into children
1Wish 1Experience 1Memory 1Impact
ABOUT US
Our Story . . . . . .
Every year, thousands of children are diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Cancer remains the leading cause of death by diseases for children under age 15. The origins of pediatric cancer are still largely unknown, and although through discoveries are resulting in new treatments, these heartbreaking diseases continue to scar families and communities in ways that may never be able to heal.
Founder of 1Wish, Valerie was faced with this very same situation when she learned that her four-year-old daughter had been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Soon after her diagnoses, she, her family and the community would surround her daughter with support and repeatedly say "if we had one wish." A wish for a cure, a wish to provide comfort care, support or anything to help Valerie's daughter. Valerie transferred her care and treatment to Phoenix Children's Hospital, where it had been discovered that she had been misdiagnosed. Her daughter, in fact, was cancer-free and suffering from a treatable autoimmune disorder.
1Wish Founder - Valerie with her daughter Christine, now 19, a sophomore in college - both very grateful and indebted to so many friends, family, and PCH for their unwavering support since Christine's diagnosis, misdiagnosis and over the years of believing in their wish to build to 1Wish Foundation.
"Giving back and supporting children and families feel like Christmas all the time," says Valerie, "kindness, hope, and compassion is contagious. It is the smallest gestures that create the most significant impact on families and communities.
With her daughter healthy, Valerie was thoroughly indebted to Phoenix Children's Hospital, her family and the community that surrounded her daughter with love, hope, compassion, prayer and that intense desire for that one wish. Valerie needed to find a way to give back to the hospital and communities that had given them so much. She began staging "fun runs" and scavenger hunts to raise money for Phoenix Children's Hospital. In the process of fundraising, Valerie met many children with her journey that genuinely needed help, compassion, support, comfort, care and hope for their one wish. With this love for children and smiles, that is where 1Wish was born.
1Wish Mission:
1Wish has been created to give to children heart-centered experiences, opportunities, and creating memories all while making an impact in the communities they serve.
It is empowering and providing support to children with life-altering conditions.
1Wish vision is to assist as many families and communities in delivering that 1Wish for a child with a life-altering illness.
1Wish 1Experience 1Memory 1Impact
Fast Facts
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Established in 2018
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Operates with two employees
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Managed by a 5-member Board of Governors
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Registered in the state of Arizona, grants wishes nation-wide
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Filed and pending 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by the IRS
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Since established over $100,000 have been donated provided to support families and hospitals
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The only Wish Granting Organization dedicated to working with communities to grant wishes for children
Referrals & Eligibility
To be eligible, children must be meet the following criteria at the time of referral:
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A child under the age of 18 at the time of referral
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A child with a life-altering illness
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A child who has not had a wish from another wish granting program
1Wish Foundation accepts referrals
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Parents and legal guardians
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Healthcare professionals
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Other family members familiar with the child diagnosis
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