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Since 1986, Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley has been granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. As we proudly celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we reflect on four decades of bringing hope, strength, and joy to local children and their families when they need it most.
Our chapter serves children across Bucks, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Lebanon, Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties in Pennsylvania and the entire state of Delaware.
The wish journey fuels courage, builds resilience and shapes a child and family forever. Research shows, and physicians agree, that wishes can help improve a child's quality of life and produce better health outcomes. When children experience a devastating illness beyond their control, a wish provides healing beyond medicine.
- 98% of medical providers agree that the wish experience helps relieve families from traumatic stress related to their child's critical illness.
- 94% of wish alumni said that their wish made them feel more joyful, confident and hopeful for their future.
- 95% of parents saw their child's emotional well-being improve through the wish experience.
Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley is proud to debut Wishes & Wonder, an immersive evening on Thursday, November 19, at the iconic Please Touch Museum, in celebration of 40 years of granting life-changing wishes.
Designed to bring the mission of Make-A-Wish to life, the evening will feature thoughtfully curated, wish-inspired experiences alongside a dessert tasting from Philadelphia's top bakeries, where guests will vote for their crowd favorites in honor of the chapter's milestone birthday celebration. Heavy hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, and specialty cocktails will round out a festive night of connection, inspiration, and celebration.
Wishes & Wonder will also serve as a vibrant gathering of Philadelphia's corporate and community leaders, offering guests the opportunity to meet wish children and their families while witnessing firsthand the profound impact of a wish come true. This unforgettable evening will celebrate four decades of hope, strength, and joy - and inspire the wishes still to come.

Doryan, a spirited 7-year-old with a passion for entertaining and adventure, was the embodiment of joy-until dizziness and sudden falls changed everything. His family quickly sought answers and faced a heart-wrenching diagnosis: a brain tumor. Within a week, Doryan underwent surgery, and their world was forever altered. What followed became a journey of incredible resilience, bravery, and hope.
The road ahead was incredibly tough. Doryan, once an active, athletic boy who could run, jump, and play with ease, now faced the challenge of relearning basic skills he had once mastered. The simple things-like walking and speaking-became monumental tasks. With determination, he asked questions, kept pushing forward, and began reclaiming the abilities that had once come so naturally. His family faced immense difficulties adjusting to their new reality, but through it all, Doryan's bravery never wavered.
Doryan wished to become Franklin, the beloved mascot of the Philadelphia 76ers. On January 8th, during the game between the Washington Wizards and the Philadelphia 76ers, his dream came to life. Dressed in a matching blue fur suit, Doryan took the court as "Mini Franklin," standing side by side with the real Franklin. The crowd erupted in cheers as he confidently stepped onto the stage, capturing hearts with his infectious energy and beaming smile. In that moment, he wasn't a patient or a kid in recovery - he was a star.
For Doryan's mother, Danielle, the experience was nothing short of magical. After months of uncertainty, seeing her son move freely again was a moment she would never forget.
"We didn't ever know if he would walk or talk again. So the joy of seeing him move his body freely has created an unforgettable experience."
- Danielle, Doryan's Mom
In the weeks that followed, Doryan became a local sensation, greeted by high-fives and admiration wherever he went. His mother reflects on the uncertainty of their journey, especially the days when they weren't sure if he would ever walk or talk again. But on that unforgettable night, as Doryan moved with joy on the court, it was clear - he wasn't just surviving; he was thriving.
Doryan shines brighter than ever, inspiring everyone around him with his strength, resilience, and unbreakable spirit. His journey is a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, determination and hope can lead the way.

Wishes & Wonder Chair
The Smith Family
Barry Smith, Jr., Partner, CFGI, Amy Smith Barry Smith
Christopher Ambrosio
Vice President
Valley Forge Private Equity
Edward B. Bleacher
Chief Financial Officer
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
Ed DeAngelis
Chief Executive Officer
EDA Contractors
Bobby Kutteh
Chief Executive Officer
Compass Healthcare
Amit Mehta
Regional Vice President
Sodexo Healthcare
Patrick Pruitt
Partner
Ernst & Young LLP
Mitchell Stead
Senior Vice President
M&T Bank
The Power of a Wish Award honors an individual, organization, or company whose extraordinary support, leadership, partnership, and generosity have significantly advanced the mission of Make-A-Wish across the Philadelphia region. Through sustained commitment and community investment, honorees help expand our reach and make life-changing wishes possible for children with critical illnesses. This award recognizes those who believe a wish is more than a moment, but a meaningful part of a child's healing journey, bringing hope, joy and strength to wish kids and their families.
Congratulations to the 2026 Power of a Wish Awardee: EDA Contractors

"You didn't just grant Nicholas' wish of being a construction worker...you gave us, as parents, and all of our extended family and friends, the most beautiful gift too. We have watched Nicholas go through unimaginable challenges, but now, we have the absolute best memory to associate with his cancer journey. Make-A-Wish has replaced a lot of the "negatives" for us with this magical experience. Make-A-Wish has brought back so much joy and positivity to our lives."
- Louis and Dana, Nicholas' parents

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