2018 Partnership Update

Together, through the great partnership between Make-A-Wish^® and Smurfit Kappa, we have made a difference in the lives of children, families and communities in Ireland, Chile, Spain and Portugal. Since 2014, the Smurfit Kappa Foundation has supported Make-A-Wish, and helped to grant many wishes to children with critical illnesses, while building lasting relationships and making a life-changing impact with Smurfit Kappa employees. We look forward to the opportunity to work together to grant even more wishes in Brazil in 2019.

We proudly share with you this 2018 Impact Report to showcase the lasting impact your funds have made in driving our mission and vision in Spain and Portugal. We offer you our most sincere gratitude for your continued support of Make-A-Wish.

Your grants made these wishes come true.

The wish stories below are remarkable and even transformational. Some speak to the power a wish has in sparking hope for a child. Others speak to human connection bringing communities and organizations together in a united form. These amazing stories are what drive our organization to fulfill our mission to grant the wish of every eligible child. We invite you to take a moment to enjoy these inspiring stories and see how your support enriches the lives of children with critical illnesses.

I wish to meet Anne from Green GablesEthan, 10, Spain

At the age of 10, Ethan is a great reader, and without doubt, his favorite book is "Anne of Green Gables" by Canadian author, Lucy Maud Montgomery. When wish granters told Ethan his wish would soon be granted, Ethan was so excited that he built a cardboard plane that could allow him to travel to Canada, the country of Anne of Green Gables.

Ethan and his family flew to Prince Edward Island to learn about the world of Anne of Green Gables. There, in the museum dedicated to Anne, they met Pam, a relative of the original author. Then, they attended the musical, "Anne of Green Gables."

Ethan's mom told us how Ethan looked forward to the moment that he could hug his friend, "Anne:"

"Maybe this is the most exciting moment of all since we arrived. Ethan is so excited and nervous that he can barely walk. He trembles while I go with him to the back stage to meet all the characters. "Gillbert" asks him many things and my precious son smiles while he feels safe again. Now it is "Annie" who takes him into her arms and they both merge in a loving embrace... words, gestures, laughters, looks full of love and tenderness that we will never forget... Thanks, thanks to Make-A-Wish and all the actors and actress who gave away their smile and dedicated some time to my son, thanks for the hugs, the affection, and the tenderness towards Ethan."

I wish to see the dolphinsDiogo, 11, Portugal

Diogo is just one of many wish children around the world whose life is brighter because of the generosity of Smurfit Kappa and its employees. Diogo was always fascinated by the interesting creatures in the oceans, and when asked for his one-true-wish, Diogo wished to see the dolphins. "Because dolphins swim differently from other fishes, and they are able to do many acrobatics and tricks in the air," Diogo explained to wish granters.

Diogo's wish was granted at the Lisbon Zoo. During his time there, Diogo met the dolphins and was able to interact and play with them! One of the trainers taught him the different hand gestures, and Diogo was able to go onto the platform and give the dolphins different commands. It was an incredible experience for Diogo to interact with these magnificent creatures!

We believe wishes, like Diogo's, improve the odds for wish children fighting critical illnesses and help them look past their limitations. As he played with the dolphins, Diogo was a world away from the fear of his medical condition. It was the experience he needed to bolster his strength and convince him to overcome the difficulties of his illnesses.

Alice is a girl with many diverse interests, including sushi, art and pop music. One common thread across so many of her favorite things is a single location: New York. When Alice's wish granter asked about her wish, Alice replied, "I've always wished to get to know New York, because of the movies and all the museums."

Thanks to the support of Smurfit Kappa, Alice and her family were granted a once-in-a-lifetime experience in New York. They visited the Museum of Modern Art and New Museum of Contemporary Art, explored Central Park and Times Square and enjoyed the unforgettable 360° views of New York City and beyond from the Empire State Building.

Alice's wish experience marked the next chapter of her life and quality time with her family, celebrating life and the journey ahead. The positive impact on her life, and those around her, is immeasurable.

I wish to go to New YorkAlice, 18, Portugal

I wish to have a Playstation 4Simão, 8, Portugal

8-year-old Simão loves to spend time playing video games with his friends, or just watching other people playing video games on YouTube. Playing with his friends and engaging with other players online provides relief, socialization and a sense of normalcy to Simão and his family while spending time inside hospitals. It was no surprise, then, when Simão wished to have a Playstation 4 as his one-true-wish, so he could play video games with his friends while he is in the hospital.

Simão was overjoyed to have his wish granted. Now, even though his condition has interrupted so much of his childhood, he can bring an aspect of "normal" life with him during his most trying times. Having his wish granted helped replace negative experiences with positive memories, and helped Simão build the physical and emotional strength he needs to fight his critical illness and improve his quality of life. Thank you, Smurfit Kappa, for helping make Simão's wish come true!

Although she is very little, Valeria already knows what it means to fight and move forward. At just five years old, she has already gone through four heart surgeries, with the first taking place when she was just born.

Knowing so much of surgeries and healing, it is no surprise Valeria’s favorite princess is Rapunzel, because she has very long and magical, “healing” hair. Valeria loves dressing like a princess – including, sometimes, a “modern” princess in pants – and, though Rapunzel is her favorite, she loves all princesses. When asked for her one-true-wish, Valeria wished to meet princesses, and specifically, Rapunzel.

In the three months leading up to her wish day, Valeria made several drawings and even a pink castle to share with the princesses. During this time, she was filled with energy and hope. She began to gain confidence in herself and fight her fears. She realized that, with a great team on her side, including her family, father, mother and, above all, her inseparable little sister Ivette, she was capable of everything. Together they were going to get very far!

I wish to meet princessesValeria, 5, Spain

When her wish day finally arrived, Valeria met Rapunzel, asked her all her secrets about her long and magical hair and visited the princesses’ castle. Ivette and Valeria were two little princesses, living in the most magical world. For Valeria and her family, those were unforgettable days.

With Smurfit Kappa's support, Valeria's wish finally came true. From all of us at Make-A-Wish Spain, we are happy to dream together and to grant the one-true-wish of Valeria, "the bravest princess."

A "thank you" message from our wish child, Maria

"We are here to thank the whole Make-A-Wish team, who made my wish come true. I would also like to thank the people at Smurfit Kappa who helped in the process to make my wish come true. "

-- Maria, 10, Spain

Thank you, Smurfit Kappa, for helping us make a life-changing impact on wish children, their families and their communities.

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2018 Partnership Update

Your grants made these wishes come true.

A "thank you" message from our wish child, Maria

Thank you, Smurfit Kappa, for helping us make a life-changing impact on wish children, their families and their communities.

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.