Make-A-Wish Opens Dream Factory for Kids

Make-A-Wish Philadelphia has unveiled its new headquarters, the Vince and Lynn Leno Wishing Place, located in Bala Cynwyd. This innovative center is designed to offer children facing critical illnesses and their families an immersive experience as they embark on their wish journeys. The organization, which has already granted more than 8,000 wishes, aims to enrich these special moments.

At the new Wishing Place, children receive a personalized welcome and a backpack filled with toys. This dedicated space serves as the starting point for dreams, as exemplified by 13-year-old Olivia DeSimone, who visited the facility and shared her wish to go to Hawaii. Make-A-Wish alum Derrick Goodenow also highlighted the profound impact of wishes, recalling how his trip to Disney eased his struggle with a neurological disorder.

The Vince and Lynn Leno Wishing Place symbolizes hope and the power of wishes to bring joy, positivity, and a renewed perspective to children navigating challenging medical situations. The wishing fountain within the center, with its inscription 'hope begins here,' serves as a poignant reminder of the organization's mission to make dreams come true.