Shepparton’s Claude got to meet NBA player Ben Simmons in 2019 through the Make-A-Wish program.
Photo by
Arnaud Domange
There are currently 900 critically ill kids on their hopeful journey towards being granted a wish with Make-A-Wish Australia.
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The number is alarming, and the struggle for the kids and their families is heartbreaking.
A wish granted is one way to temporarily alleviate the suffering and provide a beacon of light for these sick kids in an otherwise awful circumstance.
Make-A-Wish Australia has just wound up its annual Wishmaker campaign on July 1, but the need to raise ongoing funds never stops, especially when the organisation has received its most applications for wishes in a 12-month period since it was established almost 40 years ago.
“The positive and uplifting impact of a wish extends far beyond the wish child kid and their family to everyone involved, including the wider community,” Make-A-Wish Australia chief executive officer Sally Bateman said.
“Over the past 12 months, we’ve received a record number of new applications into our wish program, so it's a critical time to support Make-A-Wish.”
While Claude is unable to play competitive sport due to his heart condition, he loves playing basketball and Ben Simmons was one of his idols, so he was thrilled to meet him in 2019.
Photo by
Arnaud Domange
The Wishmaker campaign had an ambitious record-breaking goal to raise $2.5 million this year during the near month-long event, through Australians purchasing $2, $5 or $10 stars at Hungry Jack’s restaurants, drive-through and via the fast food giant’s app, with 100 per cent of the funds going to Make-A-Wish Australia — the total is yet to be tallied.
Shepparton’s own Wish-kid, Claude, who had a wish granted in 2019 when he was 12 years old, knows just how important the memories the organisation helps make are to recipients.
He was diagnosed with a heart condition at birth; the same one that took his mother’s life prematurely when she was 38 years old; the same one his older brother has also been diagnosed with.
Claude gets some pointers from pro Ben Simmons on his basketball skills.
Photo by
Arnaud Domange
“He can’t play competitive sport, which is really hard for him, because he loves basketball,” Claude’s father Matt said.
“It’s really heartbreaking that he can’t go out and play.”
Matt said while Claude’s journey had been challenging on several fronts, Make-A-Wish improved his life.
Claude got to meet professional basketball player Ben Simmons, an Australian who plays in the NBA, the biggest basketball stage in the world.
“It’s unbelievable that Make-A-Wish could actually make time with Ben Simmons to meet me and me to meet him,” Claude said.
“It’s amazing what Make-A-Wish can do, I just think that they’re miracle workers.”
Matt said the organisation was critical in terms of bringing happiness to sick kids and helping them to focus on the future.
Claude says he thinks the people at Make-A-Wish are miracle workers and was thrilled they could make spending time with Ben Simmons a reality for him.
Photo by
Arnaud Domange
“It’s a really important thing in our life, being able to think big and also dream big, but also to see the generosity of human spirit,” Matt said.
“This was easily the best day of his life, for sure, it’s a memory he will cherish in his future, especially if he goes through difficult times, he can think back to it.”
Ms Bateman said Hungry Jack’s Wishmaker was a testament to the generosity and spirit of Australians, and each donation, no matter the size, brought them closer to making another wish possible.
“Together, we can create life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses, providing them with the hope and joy they need during challenging times,” she said.
Since 1985, Make-A-Wish has delivered more than 10,000 wishes to children nationwide.
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