Every child deserves joy, but for the 27,000 children in the United States diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions this year, joy may seem like a destination out of reach.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation^® is working to change that. In 2008, the Foundation granted the wishes of more than 13,500 courageous children -- a wish every 40 minutes.

Sometimes it's something simple, like 7-year-old Markell's dream to ride a horse. Other times it's more challenging, like 4-year-old Gracie's desire to have a log cabin playhouse. As you can see from Gracie's smile in the picture above, her wish was a great success. Whatever the wish, the Make-A-Wish Foundation is able to come through and help bring joy to a child facing a serious illness.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation will grant 5,000 wishes this summer. Won't you help add even more joy to these young lives? Send a message of hope and love to these brave children.