(BPT) - For children facing critical illnesses and their families, the experience of having a cherished wish fulfilled can make a huge impact on their lives. Thanks to the ongoing partnership between Make-A-Wish® and Subaru through the Share the Love® Event, even more wishes are being granted for these children every year.
A Hollywood-worthy wish
During the summer before he was about to enter fifth grade, 11-year-old Christian was diagnosed with lymphoma, but his determination and strength remained admirable, along with his positive, happy-go-lucky attitude. Despite undergoing treatment throughout the school year, he continued to shine on his town's travel soccer and baseball teams, and received A's on all his math tests.
When he learned he was eligible for a wish through his local Make-A-Wish chapter, Make-A-Wish Connecticut, Christian knew exactly what to choose. His love for films and the way film characters can be or do anything they want inspired his choice: to play a role in a movie production.
While Christian waited for his wish to come true, Bertera Subaru of Hartford hosted a celebration fit for a movie star. Christian walked the red carpet, with his family and the entire staff loudly cheering him on and waving foam stars in the air. Sitting in a personalized director's chair, he confidently shared his wish with the group, describing what the experience would mean to him. Christian was then surprised by a director informing him that filming for his role in a movie would begin in the summer!
"Being at Subaru was such an amazing and fun experience that made me ready for the red carpet," Christian said.
The excitement shared by everyone in the room was incredible, and the line to get Christian's headshot and autograph was almost out the door.
"Christian received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in a movie, which has had a tremendous impact on our whole family," said his mom, Christine. "The experience of being on a movie set, rehearsing lines with other actors and filming multiple takes of scenes was such a special experience that he will remember for the rest of his life."
Even better, Christian's wish experience gave him the confidence to try out for (and get) one of the leading roles in his school play, which will be performed next spring.
"Thanks to this experience through Make-A-Wish, his special talent was fostered, and we can't wait to see what he does next," Christine said. "This was an incredible experience for Christian, and it brought joy to our entire family."
Christian and his family are grateful to Subaru and its retailers for making his wish come true, and for granting many more wishes for kids through their generous support. Christian said that the hope of his wish helped him get through his toughest days, and he firmly believes it's the same for many other wish kids.
"When Subaru helped make Christian's wish come true, it was about so much more than one incredible day," added Christine. "Their support and enthusiasm made him feel genuinely celebrated and gave him a sense of confidence that will last a lifetime. We'll always be grateful for the joy and encouragement they brought to our family."
Bertera Subaru of Hartford's unwavering partnership with Make-A-Wish Connecticut has continued to make wishes come true year after year for children with critical illnesses.
The need for continued support
When families are dealing with unplanned hospital stays and uncomfortable treatments, a wish can give children a chance to reclaim a piece of their childhood and a sense of control. Most wish kids go on to overcome their illness and lead healthy lives, and they often credit their wish as a turning point in their medical journey, giving them the strength to fight their critical illness. Research shows that many doctors believe a wish is a necessary part of a child's medical treatment, because it can lead to better health outcomes and increased chances of survival.
Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted over 390,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses in the U.S. and its territories, making a huge impact over the past 45 years. With help from donors, volunteers, and partners like Subaru, many more wishes will come true for children this coming year.
Together with generous donors, corporate partners, supporters, staff, and over 20,000 volunteers across the country, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. To help further this vital mission, over the last 17 years, the Subaru Share the Love Event, taking place this year from Nov. 20, 2025, through Jan. 2, 2026, has raised over $38 million for Make-A-Wish, helping to grant more than 3,900 wishes to date.
Approximately 27,000 children are diagnosed with a critical illness that makes them eligible for a wish each year. But because of limited resources, it is simply not possible to be able to grant them all. Make-A-Wish is committed to ensuring that children don't have to wait even one unnecessary day for their wish to come true.
How you can help
Every donation, large or small, helps make it possible for even more kids to see their wishes come true. Learn how you can make a difference at Wish.org/Subaru.