More than 1,600 children with cancer across Canada are still waiting for a life-changing wish
This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, new data from Make-A-Wish Canada underscores the importance of a holistic approach to pediatric cancer care. Over the last five years, the number of annual wishes for children diagnosed with cancer has more than doubled, reaching 910 in 2025.
Caring for a child with cancer involves more than treating the disease alone, and healthcare providers see the immediate impact of a wish almost every day. “It’s a transformational experience for the child and the family. It takes them out of the tunnel that they’re in. It shows them a little bit of joy. That positivity is a profound medicine,” said Dr. Hema Patel, Director, Division of General Pediatrics, Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Five-year-old Madelyn experienced that impact firsthand. Diagnosed with leukemia at age two, she spent two-and-a-half years undergoing treatment. During that time, she became withdrawn and grew fearful that every car ride would end at the hospital. When she was prescribed a wish to go to her favourite theme park, she finally had something positive to look forward to beyond treatment.
“When she had tough hospital visits, it would always brighten her up when we would remind her of her upcoming trip,” said Madelyn’s mom, Stephanie. Reflecting on Madelyn’s wish, Stephanie said, “Something about [the wish experience] brought our social butterfly back to life.”
Madelyn’s experience reflects what healthcare providers continue to see in children throughout the wish journey. According to a 2022 Wish Impact Study, nine out of 10 surveyed medical providers saw a wish increase compliance with treatment, while 95 per cent said the wish experience helps a child feel more hopeful for the future.
“When a child is diagnosed with cancer, every aspect of life changes for them,” said Meaghan Stovel McKnight, Chief Executive Officer, Make-A-Wish Canada. “While medical treatment is essential, children facing cancer also need support that recognizes who they are beyond their diagnosis. Wishes help create opportunities for children and families to focus on something beyond hospital walls, tests, and treatment during an incredibly challenging time. Simply put, Wishes Are Medicine.”
While more children than ever are receiving wishes as part of their cancer journey, demand continues to outpace available resources. More than 1,600 children with cancer are currently waiting for a wish. This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Canadians can help ensure more eligible children experience the hope, strength, and resilience a wish can provide by donating, volunteering, or raising awareness. Find out how you can help prescribe life-changing wishes at makeawish.ca.
By the numbers:
More than 1,600 children with cancer are currently waiting for a wish across Canada.
Make-A-Wish Canada has received more than 3,700 qualified oncology referrals over the past five years.
Annual oncology referrals increased from 556 in 2020 to 842 in 2025.
More than half of all wishes granted over the past five years were for children facing cancer.
Annual oncology wishes more than doubled from 446 in 2020 to 910 in 2025.
