RECOGNIZING APRIL 29, 2025, AS "WORLD WISH DAY" IN DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Poore & Rep. Hensley & Rep. Phillips

Sens. Hocker, Hoffner, Huxtable, Wilson; Reps. Bush, Carson, K. Johnson, Ross Levin, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 57

RECOGNIZING APRIL 29, 2025, AS "WORLD WISH DAY" IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, the mission of Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley is “Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses;” and

WHEREAS, Make-A-Wish® has been granting life-changing wishes to children and families for more than four decades, creating joy, hope, and strength when it’s needed most; and

WHEREAS, Make-A-Wish International now brings the hope and joy of granting wishes to over 50 countries across five continents, and has granted more than 585,000 wishes globally since the organization’s founding in 1980; and

WHEREAS, every 20 minutes, a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, and the emotional and physical burden of treatment can leave children feeling isolated, fearful, or discouraged; and

WHEREAS, wish experiences help children build the physical and emotional strength needed to fight critical illnesses, helping restore hope and bringing moments of joy to their medical journey; and

WHEREAS, in 2024 alone, Make-A-Wish granted nearly 30,000 wishes worldwide, demonstrating the global impact of the organization’s mission; and

WHEREAS, a wish is more than a moment of joy – it is a source of inspiration and resilience, helping children believe in themselves, reconnect with their families and communities, and look toward the future with confidence; and

WHEREAS, research shows that wishes can improve a child’s quality of life and produce better health outcomes by positively influencing their emotional well-being and ability to cope with illness; and

WHEREAS, in Fiscal Year 2023, despite lingering challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley continued to deliver on its promise of hope by granting more than 240 wishes to local children; and

WHEREAS, World Wish Day, celebrated on April 29, honors the anniversary of the first wish granted in Phoenix, Arizona in 1980 to a 7-year-old boy named Chris, whose dream to be a police officer inspired the creation of Make-A-Wish; and

WHEREAS, World Wish Day highlights the incredible work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and recognizes the dedication of the volunteers, donors, medical professionals, and community members who help turn wishes into reality; and

WHEREAS, this day inspires Delawareans to support the power of a wish and invites everyone to join the global movement of hope by getting involved in World Wish Month throughout April.

NOW THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that April 29, 2025, is hereby recognized as “World Wish Day” in Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This concurrent resolution recognizes April 29, 2025, as "World Wish Day" in Delaware.

Author: Senator Poore