Since the Mississippi chapter began in 1984, over 1,100 wishes have been granted for children with life-threatening medical conditions in Mississippi. For many of these children, a wish experience provides strength and hope for the future.

According to Walsh, there are currently over 115 children waiting for their wishes to be granted, with the potential for another one hundred children in Mississippi to qualify for a wish each year.

“The need is great, we just need the resources to bring hope, strength and joy to these children and their families,” says Walsh.

Lily’s wish was to have a magical experience at Walt Disney World Resort while Tanner’s wish was to go to Hollywood and meet a talent scout.

Officials said wishes generally fall into one of these categories: “I wish to go…,” “I wish to meet…,” “I wish to be…,” and “I wish to have….”

These wishes can vary from a unique experience like Tanner’s to a wish for a computer, shopping spree, or new pet.

Lily said that that being crowned Queen of the Make-A-Wish Ball was like having two wishes because in addition to meeting the Disney Princesses she got to pose for a photo shoot for publicity for the Ball, she was interviewed on two morning shows on Jackson radio stations, and she had a live interview on WAPT television in Jackson.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s premier event will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, at the Country Club of Jackson.

Reservations for “An Evening with the Stars” are $60 per person in advance and $70 per person at the door.

To make your reservation, contact Jane Walsh at 601-366-9474 ext. 26 or jwalsh@ms.wish.org

Anyone interested in learning more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation or becoming involved as a volunteer should contact the Make-A-Wish Foundation office at (601) 366-9474/ (800) 819-4072 or info@ms.wish.org