In a significant development for critically ill children across Sri Lanka, the internationally renowned Make-A-Wish Foundation officially launched its operations in the country on April 29, becoming nearly the 50th nation to join the global network dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children facing life-threatening medical conditions.
The launch represents a powerful collaboration with the Indira Cancer Trust, an organization born from profound personal loss and transformed into a beacon of hope for thousands of cancer patients across the island nation.
A Legacy of Compassion
The story of Make-A-Wish began in 1980 with a seven-year-old boy named Christopher James Greicius. Fighting leukemia and harboring a dream of becoming a police officer, Christopher’s community in Phoenix, Arizona rallied together to transform his wish into reality. What started as a heartfelt gesture for one child blossomed into a global movement that has since granted hundreds of thousands of life-changing wishes to children battling critical illnesses.
“A wish can be that crucial turning point in these children’s lives—that spark helping them believe anything is possible and giving them strength to fight harder against their illnesses,” explained a volunteer from the foundation. This belief has driven the organization’s mission for over four decades, with a wish being granted approximately every 33 minutes in the United States and its territories alone.
From Personal Tragedy to National Mission
The Indira Cancer Trust, Make-A-Wish’s Sri Lankan partner, carries its own powerful origin story. In 2016, former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya endured the devastating loss of his daughter, Indira, to cancer. Channeling his grief into action, Jayasuriya established the trust in her memory.
“When you lose someone you love to cancer, the pain never truly leaves you, but through the Indira Cancer Trust, we’ve found a way to transform that pain into purpose—to ensure other families have the support we wished we had during our darkest hours.” A family member of the Jayasuriya family stated.
From its inception, the trust has expanded to offer more than 20 free services to cancer patients and their families across Sri Lanka. These services span from critical medical investigations and transportation to comprehensive nutritional support, professional counseling, custom wigs for patients experiencing hair loss, livelihood initiatives for affected families, and holistic wellness programs.
A Natural Partnership
The collaboration between Make-A-Wish and the Indira Cancer Trust represents a natural alignment of values and missions. Both organizations recognize the profound impact that hope and joy can have on the healing process, particularly for children facing life-threatening illnesses.
“Children with critical illnesses often lose control over so many aspects of their lives—their health, their routine, their sense of normalcy,” noted a well known psychologist. . “When we grant a wish, we’re giving them back a measure of control and reminding them that they are more than their diagnosis.”
The partnership aims to create a robust support system that addresses both the practical needs of patients through the Indira Cancer Trust’s established services and the emotional and psychological needs through Make-A-Wish’s focus on fulfilling cherished dreams.
The Power of a Wish
Research has consistently shown that wish experiences can complement medical treatment by improving children’s emotional well-being and potentially enhancing their physical health. For many children, a granted wish represents a psychological turning point in their battle against illness.
Community Support
Both organizations rely heavily on community involvement, with tens of thousands of volunteers, donors, and supporters advancing the mission globally. In Sri Lanka, the Indira Cancer Trust is building an extensive network of medical professionals, corporate partners, and individual donors who have embraced the addition of Make-A-Wish to their collective efforts.
“When we unite around a common purpose—especially one centered on bringing joy to children who are suffering—the impact can be transformative not just for the children and families we serve, but for our entire society,” said a senior volunteer who has been with the Indira Cancer Trust since its inception.
Looking Forward
As Make-A-Wish establishes its presence in Sri Lanka, both organizations are focused on sustainable growth to reach more children in need. Plans include expanding volunteer networks to rural areas, developing culturally relevant wish experiences, and strengthening partnerships with healthcare providers to ensure no eligible child is missed.
For families navigating the difficult journey of a child’s critical illness, the launch represents a new source of light during dark times—a promise that while they cannot control their medical circumstances, they can still experience moments of pure joy and fulfillment of dreams that transcend their daily struggles.
Through this powerful collaboration, the legacy of both Christopher Greicius and Indira Jayasuriya continues, touching lives and creating ripples of hope that extend far beyond the initial impact of their own stories.
You can contact the Indira Cancer Trust / Make a Wish Sri Lanka officials on below.
+94 112 363 211
[email protected]
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