“Unlimited Wishes” Spoof Video Appears on Internet

We have received inquiries from supporters about an Internet video that depicts a fictional news broadcast, “Today Now!” The video includes a report about a “wish kid” whose wish for unlimited wishes has put the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s future in jeopardy. The “Today Now!” segment is not true and all characters, including wish child “Chad,” are fictitious. The video was produced by The Onion, which is well-known for using satire to parody news events. Rest assured, the Make-A-Wish Foundation is financially sound thanks to its many generous donors. Also, the Foundation will not grant “unlimited wishes” to a wish child. The policy is clear: We grant the one true wish of each eligible child with a life-threatening medical condition. We appreciate your support for the Make-A-Wish mission and the thousands of courageous children we serve. Please refer anyone with questions about the video or chain letters to this page.

Chain Letters

Each day, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and its chapters receive hundreds of inquiries about chain letters claiming to be associated with the Foundation and featuring sick children. However, we do not participate in these kinds of wishes. Some names associated with these wishes are: Jessie Anderson, Shane Bernier, Matt Dawson, Chad Briody , Amy Bruce, Jeff DeLeon, Rhyan Desquetado, Anthony Hebrank, LaNisha Jackson, Nikisha Johnson, Craig Sheldon, Craig Shelford, Craig Shelton, Craig Sheppard, Craig Shergold, Bryan Warner and Kayla Wightman.

Only one of these requests is based in fact: In 1989, a then 9-year-old boy named Craig Shergold wanted to be recorded in the "Guinness Book of World Records" for receiving the most greeting cards. His wish was fulfilled in 1990 by another wish-granting organization not associated with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He received more than 16 million cards. Craig is now a healthy adult, and he has requested an end to the mail. Mail that is received is forwarded to a recycling center.

The time and expense required to respond to these inquiries distracts the Foundation from its efforts on behalf of children with life-threatening medical conditions, and more importantly, can divulge information that is potentially harmful to a child and his or her family.