Make-A-Wish Colorado

A nonprofit organization

0% complete

$165,000 Goal

The hope and joy of a wish is the most valuable gift you can give this holiday season.

Make-A-Wish Colorado grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We're on a mission to grant the wish of every eligible child because research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness.

 Together, we can continue to bring strength, hope, and joy into the lives of children across Colorado. Donate now to grant more wishes —because when you give, hope becomes possible.

Strength on the Slopes: Levi’s Wish and Colorado Gives Day

Just weeks after having his appendix removed, 7-year-old Levi’s world turned upside down - he was diagnosed with cancer. The news came fast, and so did the treatment plan: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The grueling process took a toll on Levi, robbing him of the energy to run, jump and play like he used to. His siblings felt the strain too, as hospital visits and long absences kept them apart.

“It was intense for the entire family,” said Elizabeth, Levi’s mom.

But Levi never lost his spark. Through the toughest days, he stayed curious and determined, holding tight to the hope of brighter days ahead. That hope grew when he learned he would receive a wish from Make-A-Wish. Levi imagined a snowy escape and skiing down the mountains with his family by his side. Levi’s wish brought him to the iconic slopes of Keystone Resort, where Make-A-Wish Colorado made sure every detail of his wish was perfect.

“He was really looking forward to skiing because he wasn't able to fully be himself during chemo and radiation,” Elizabeth said. “When he was in recovery mode, he started gaining his strength again. So, he was very excited about going skiing.”

When Levi’s wish came true, his excitement soared. On the slopes, his family watched him reclaim the confidence cancer had taken. “To see him going down the slope, you saw strength in him,” said Eli, Levi’s dad. “You saw resilience. He bounced back from the whole situation.”

Levi’s wish was more than a ski trip - it was a turning point. “It felt like I could breathe again,” Elizabeth said. “It felt like I had something to look forward to … not just going to the hospital, not just keeping my son alive, but to make something fun and a great memory.”

Eli added, “When Make-A-Wish came into our lives, it turned the page from all the hard work of doctor’s visits to just keeping him alive. Now we can go have some fun. To be together … it’s a lasting memory.”

You can help grant life-changing wishes for kids like Levi by supporting Make-A-Wish Colorado. This Colorado Gives Day! Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, December 9, with early giving starting November 1. It’s the state’s largest 24-hour giving movement - and one of the most successful in the nation. In 2024 alone, Coloradans raised more than $54 million to support local nonprofits. Make your gift to Make-A-Wish Colorado today at https://bit.ly/mawcogivesday 

Your gift to Make-A-Wish Colorado helps grant wishes to children battling critical illnesses—not only those who live in Colorado, but also those who dream of coming here. Every donation helps create moments of joy, strength and healing.

Give the gift of hope. Support Make-A-Wish Colorado this Colorado Gives Day!

You can grant more life-changing wishes like Levi's when you give today!

Mission

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Background Statement

Make-A-Wish Colorado was founded in 1983 by Joan Mazak, in memory of her daughter, Jennifer. Jennifer spent most of her life in and out of the hospital as she was being treated for a liver disease. She passed the time listening to her favorite radio station, KIMN, and dreamed of meeting the station’s mascot—a chicken! One summer morning in 1983, the KIMN Chicken showed up at her door and the two spent the day together. Joan witnessed the profound effect this experience had on her daughter. With the help of friends, family and members of the community, she founded the Colorado chapter of Make-A-Wish shortly after Jennifer passed away to bring that same magic to other children. Every wish since has sought to honor Jennifer’s legacy of hope and joy.

Since then, our chapter has granted 7,000 life-changing wishes for children in Colorado. Looking ahead, our vision remains steadfast: to bring hope and grant the wish of every eligible child. We believe in the power of a wish because when a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, their life turns upside down. A wish can be the spark that helps them believe that anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illnesses.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Make-A-Wish Colorado

other names

MAWCO

Year Established

1983

Tax id (EIN)

74-2273004

Category

Human Services, Health Care

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

7951 E. Maplewood Avenue Suite 126
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Service areas

CO, US

Phone

303-750-9474

Fax

303-755-3108

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