Make-A-Wish® Delaware creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness.  All funds raised for our chapter through Do More 24 will go towards making wishes come true for children living in Delaware. For more information about Make-A-Wish, visit http://www.wish.org/philadesv

 For years, Adriana faced the challenges of living with a serious heart condition. Hospital rooms, long nights, and countless procedures became a part of her life, and her family lived in a delicate balance between hope and fear. Her mom, Lisa, often stayed awake at night watching heart monitors, praying for answers, and wondering what the next day would bring. 

“As a mother of four, I carry the burden of ensuring equal time and treatment of all my children so no one feels left out or less loved. There were times in the hospital when I wasn’t sure if I’d be bringing my daughter home,” Lisa shared. “Our Make-A-Wish was the cherry on top. She is finally at a place with no restrictions and a device in place, ready to save her life. We fully embraced this experience and feel incredibly humbled by this gift.” 

When Adriana’s wish to go to Hawaii came true, it wasn’t just a trip — it was a celebration of resilience, hope, and life itself. For the first time in years, she could step away from the weight of her medical journey and focus on adventure, fun, and making memories. 

“Over the past several years, I’ve faced challenges that made it hard at times to feel carefree or adventurous. My wish trip to Hawaii was more amazing than I ever imagined. From swimming with sharks to challenging hikes, exploring beautiful beaches, and even learning how to surf, every day was filled with excitement and happiness. More than anything, this experience gave me a break from everything I’ve been through and allowed me to focus on happiness, adventure, and making memories,” Adriana said. 

The trip was a reminder of the power of wishes — to bring joy, strength, and hope even after the most challenging journeys. For Adriana and her family, it was a chance to pause, celebrate, and simply be together. Through Make-A-Wish, families like Adriana’s can experience moments of pure joy and adventure, creating memories that last a lifetime — and showing that even in the face of challenges, hope and happiness can thrive.