The Little Wish Foundation, founded in 2010, aims to provide hope and joy to pediatric cancer patients by granting small wishes that can make a significant impact. This initiative, led by founder Liz Loewenstein, focuses on delivering comfort during challenging treatment periods. As the holiday season approaches, the foundation is encouraging community involvement through its annual 25 Days of Joy campaign, which begins on November 28, 2023, coinciding with Giving Tuesday.
Loewenstein, who started the foundation at just 16 years old, was inspired by her friend Max, who passed away from Wilms Tumor, a type of childhood kidney cancer. She recalls attending his wake with her mother, a day that profoundly changed her life. Before Max’s passing, his last wish was to receive a puppy, a gift that brought him immense joy. This experience motivated Loewenstein to create a foundation that focuses on granting similar “little wishes” to children battling cancer.
Since its inception, the Little Wish Foundation has granted over 4,500 wishes to children in need across 19 hospitals in 11 states throughout the United States. Each wish is designed to provide a moment of distraction, hope, and comfort to these young patients. Loewenstein emphasizes that the foundation’s mission is not about the monetary value of the gifts but rather the emotional impact they have on the children.
One recipient of this heartfelt initiative is Cody Bevelhimer, who was diagnosed with T-Cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. His mother, Tracy Bevelhimer, shared how receiving a personalized gift made a remarkable difference. “Cody’s spirit immediately rose,” she said, describing the joy he felt when he opened his package to find a computer specifically chosen for him. “It wasn’t about the money; it was about the thought behind it.”
The upcoming 25 Days of Joy campaign presents an opportunity for the community to engage directly with the foundation’s mission. Each day, a different child undergoing cancer treatment will be highlighted, allowing donors to fulfill their little wishes. “This initiative showcases that no matter who you are, you can make a big difference,” Loewenstein stated.
Those interested in assisting the Little Wish Foundation can visit their website to learn more about the children in need and how to contribute. Every small act of kindness has the potential to bring joy and relief to a child facing the trials of cancer treatment.
The foundation continues to rely on community support to sustain and expand its efforts. As Loewenstein passionately conveys, “The beauty of life is just found in those little things.” By focusing on these small but meaningful gestures, the Little Wish Foundation continues to create moments of joy for pediatric patients and their families.
