The holiday season is one of hope, joy, and helping those in need. During chemotherapy treatments for leukemia, wish kid William realized how vital blood donations are to kids with critical illnesses like him.

“He has needed dozens of units of blood and platelets throughout this treatment so far, and he will continue to need that over time,” reflected his mom, Janice. “He would be sick, very sick, without those transfusions.” William added, “If I didn't get blood transfusions, I would probably be dead.”

William’s wish to give his community a blood drive sparked a movement, bringing William joy and his entire community renewed hope. William’s Community Blood Drive, an October-long drive at his local blood center, was so successful it has been extended through the end of the year in southern Ohio to accommodate a record number of donors. To date 1,100+ units of blood have been collected, enough to save 3,000 lives!

After learning of his selfless wish, people across our Make-A-Wish chapter in Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana have donated, and companies and organizations have organized separate blood drives in William’s honor. Even local dignitaries have heard about his wish! The Mayor of Cincinnati, Aftab Pureval, visited a Cincinnati blood center to thank William and encourage donors to roll up their sleeves.

“My wish is a wish that keeps on giving and has provided once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for me. Hopefully, those who donate will keep on donating!” said William.

As families gather for heartwarming holiday celebrations, children with critical illnesses like William experience hospital stays, harsh treatments, and scary surgeries that are not only exhausting–they are traumatic. Your support gives these children a spark of hope that ignites life-changing joy, improves their emotional well-being, and gives them the strength they need to fight and believe in brighter days ahead.

You can make more wishes like this one come true for children in your community with a monetary donation to Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana today by visiting oki.wish.org/holiday.