We all need food, clean water and oxygen to survive. That’s pretty basic. On the spiritual level, you could also argue that we all need something that makes us look forward to the next day. Hope springs eternal. Follow your dreams. Those well-worn phrases have earned their keep. Don’t we all have hopes and dreams?

Some people are fortunate enough to make their own dreams come true. The trip of a lifetime. The perfect job. The house you always wanted. For others, those dreams are completely out of reach or just not remotely realistic. A Special Wish Foundation will not stand for that.

The team at A Special Wish Foundation is in the business of turning the unattainable into reality for a very specific clientele. “A Special Wish is dedicated to granting wishes to children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses from birth through age 20,” explains Rachel Kuhn. Kuhn serves as Assistant Executive Director of the Central Ohio chapter of A Special Wish Foundation.

A Special Wish Foundation was started in Columbus in 1982. Although the organization has served youth from around the country, ASW’s focus is now on Ohio residents. Kuhn’s chapter focuses on Central Ohio, while other chapters serve the northeast, southeast and southwest quadrants. There is also a satellite branch in Chicago.

Just as people have dreams and aspirations, so, too, does A Special Wish Foundation. “We have never turned down a qualifying wish,” says Kuhn, “and referrals are constant.” Making wishes come true only happens for free in fairy tales. In real life, magic is dependent upon generous material and financial donations. To put it directly, “Funding for wishes is always a need,” says Kuhn.

Several fundraising events throughout the year benefit A Special Wish Foundation. The Superior Group hosts a golf outing on behalf of the organization each year at Tartan Fields. New for 2025 was the inaugural ‘A Special Night with A Special Wish’ event held in April. “We also have hosted Brews for Wishes through the summer months, and other organizations host fundraisers on our behalf,” says Kuhn.

There are numerous ways to get involved with A Special Wish Foundation. “Volunteer, Donate, or Refer a Wish Child,” says Kuhn. If you have a passion for bringing hope and happiness to local children, this opportunity could be a dream come true.

For information on how you can support A Special Wish Foundation, visit their website at https://www.aspecialwishfoundation.org/support and follow them on Instagram (@aspecialwishcentralohio) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/aspecialwishcentralohio).