Our Mission & History

A Special Wish Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children between birth and 20 years of age who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

A Special Wish Foundation offers their services to all qualifying children, and does not discriminate based on race, gender, nationality, or ethnicity.

Founded in 1982, A Special Wish Foundation was the first wish-granting organization in Ohio, and now has multiple chapters across the United States. Since 1982, wishes have been granted to thousands of qualifying children. A Special Wish Foundation is the only major wish-granting organization in the United States granting wishes to qualifying infants, children, and adolescents from birth through and including the age of 20 years.

A Special Wish Cleveland Chapter proudly opened its doors in 2013. Since launching, the award-winning Cleveland Chapter has expanded to become A Special Wish Northeast Ohio Chapter. All donations to the Northeast Ohio Chapter benefit local children who are seeking treatment through Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and Akron Children’s Hospital.

The Big Wish Program and Sparkles of Joy Program are what make the Northeast Ohio Chapter the most sought after wish granting charity in Ohio.