OCALA, FL (352today.com) — For parents of healthy children, it’s easy to take milestones, memories, and everyday joys for granted. But for families facing the unimaginable — a child battling a critical illness — those everyday moments become priceless. That’s where Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida steps in, delivering not just joy, but hope.

“We grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses. It’s about so much more than the wish — it’s about what that wish represents to the child and their family,” says Sara Desmartin, Development & Community Outreach Manager for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida.

A Life-Changing Wish

Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida’s process starts with a referral, either from a family member or medical provider. From there, the foundation confirms eligibility and guides the child through what they call the “wish journey.”

  • Volunteers help children choose their wish through a discovery process
  • Wishes fall into categories like I wish to go, I wish to be, I wish to have, and I wish to give
  • Each wish includes the whole family, offering them a chance to make lasting memories together

“We recently had a young man wish to see the volcanoes and black sand beaches of Hawaii. His parents and siblings went with him. That experience wasn’t just for him, it was for all of them,” Desmartin says.

A Community Celebration

To support these powerful moments, Raney’s Chrome Shop is stepping up in a big way. On Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the local business is hosting Raney’s Road to Wishes, a massive truck show fundraiser with a goal to raise $80,000 for wishes in Marion County.

Event Details:

  • Where: Raney’s Chrome Shop, 3030 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
  • What: Family-friendly event with show trucks, games, food, music, pony rides, and more
  • Cost: Free to attend; activity tickets and vendor purchases benefit Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida

Children attending the event will get to be the judges in categories like “Kid’s Choice” and “Best Theme,” awarding trophies and cash prizes to truck owners. Emergency vehicles, antiques, custom builds, and motorcycles will also be on display.

“We’ll have some of our wish families there, and our kids will help pick the winners. It’s a fun way to make them feel special,” Desmartin shares.

Why It Matters

Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 550,000 wishes across the U.S.— over 7,400 in Central and Northern Florida alone. These experiences don’t just bring smiles; they can improve health outcomes, according to Desmartin.

  • 96% of parents say wishes strengthened their families
  • 97% report emotional improvement in their child
  • 89% of doctors see positive physical effects

“We’ve had wish kids become alumni, return to volunteer, even fundraise. The journey continues, and the impact lasts,” Desmartin says.

To refer a child, volunteer, or learn more about getting involved, visit wish.org.

More news that matters to you…