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Wish Granting for Children Across Southwest Ohio

Families across Southwest Ohio turn to A Special Wish Foundation when a child facing a life-threatening illness deserves a moment of joy and hope. Our wish granting program creates meaningful experiences tailored to each child and supported by a caring local community.

A Wish Program That Brings Joy During Difficult Moments

Local Support for Children Facing Life-Threatening Illnesses


When a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, families often face emotional stress and uncertainty about the future. A Special Wish Foundation of Southwest Ohio helps create meaningful wish experiences that bring joy, hope, and encouragement during these difficult times. Based in Dayton, the organization works with families across Southwest Ohio.


A Special Wish Foundation of Southwest Ohio provides wishes for children and young adults from birth through age 20 who have been diagnosed by a physician with a life-threatening illness. Our goal is to make the eligibility process clear, supportive, and easy for families during an already difficult time.


Every wish is shaped around the child’s interests and personality so the experience feels special, personal, and uplifting for the entire family.

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Three Common Types of Wishes

Wishes That Reflect What Each Child Dreams About

Children often have different ideas about what would make their wish meaningful. A Special Wish helps families explore a few common categories that make it easier to start imagining the experience together.

Three people and a small dog stand smiling in front of a tan travel trailer on a paved lot under a blue, sunny sky.

A Special Gift

A black icon of a square gift box with a ribbon tied in a bow on top.

Some children dream of receiving something meaningful that brings excitement and comfort during treatment or recovery. This might be a gaming system, a backyard play structure, a computer for creative projects, or another item that reflects the child’s personal interests. These gifts often become a daily reminder that their community cares about them.

A Special Place

A black icon of a map pin centered over an open map.

Many wishes involve visiting a destination the child has always dreamed about. These experiences might include theme parks, beaches, sporting events, or other memorable locations where families can spend meaningful time together. The focus is on creating positive memories that help families reconnect and celebrate time together.

A Special HERO

A black icon of a superhero in flight, wearing a cape and reaching one arm upward.

Some children dream about meeting someone they admire, such as an athlete, performer, or public figure. These experiences allow children to connect with their heroes in ways that feel exciting and unforgettable. Meeting someone they look up to can be a powerful moment that brings encouragement and confidence.