For more than 25 years, “A Wish Come True, Inc.” has been granting wishes to children age 3 through 18 who suffer from life threatening illnesses, and live in Rhode Island and parts of southeastern Massachusetts.  It has been quite a journey, and the lives of countless children and their families have been positively impacted as a result of this journey.

The journey began with Rosemary Bowers, A Wish Come True’s Founder and former Executive Director.  From 1978-1982, Rosemary and a group of friends held fundraisers to help people within their communities.  She had received her degree in Child Development and Family Relations from the University of Rhode Island, and over the next several years, Rosemary was involved in early childhood education, and volunteering at local hospitals.  It was here she would see firsthand the daily struggles of so many children dealing with severe illnesses.   

In August of 1982, Rosemary came up with the idea of helping some of the many children she met while at the hospital.  She simply wanted to make their lives a little brighter and give them something to look forward to, and not have to think about their illness all the time. Rosemary also considered how much a child’s illness affects the entire family – what it must be like for their parents and siblings to have to deal with the day-to-day hospitals, doctors, surgeries and treatments.  Most of all, Rosemary wanted to give children and their families a chance to set aside the illness, and give them opportunities to do things or go places other children and families experience.

It was at that moment A Wish Come True, Inc. was born.  On October 8, 1982, A Wish Come True, Inc. was founded as a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization, granting children between the ages of 3 through 18 their most cherished wish.  The mission and goal would be to grant every medically qualified child “one memorable wish.”  A Wish Come True, Inc. was the first organization of its kind in this area, granting wishes to 12 children in the first year. 

The growth of the organization has been truly remarkable. Wishes range from gifts of computers, shopping sprees, pets, bedroom furniture and trips to Disney World.  Trips have also been provided to Hawaii, Cancun, Grand Canyon, the Super Bowl, MLB All-Star Game, World Series, Olympics and an occasional celebrity meet and greet.  Every trip includes the entire family!  They need this time together, to set aside their problems and to just have fun, laugh and enjoy each other.  A Wish Come True makes all of the arrangements. 

At an average cost of $4,000 to $5,000 (could be more depending on the wish, the size of the family and if any special medical equipment is needed) per wish, and granting over a wish per week, it is abundantly clear there are a lot of generous, thoughtful people working together to ensure every child who medically qualifies for a wish receives one.  With the help of some very special people, using their exceptional fundraising talents, no child has ever been denied for lack of funds.  This is a local organization helping local children from Rhode Island and areas of southeastern Massachusetts.  The money raised here - stays here!

Supported by a talented, dedicated Board of Directors, and by many hard working volunteers, Rosemary Bowers is still active today as a regional director, primarily handling fundraising duties in Massachusetts.  Our office and part-time staff is presently located in Warwick, RI, and available most weekdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Today more than ever, A Wish Come True needs your help.  Volunteers are the key to this organizations’ long, successful history of putting smiles on the faces of some very courageous children.  If you would like to become part of making a difference in a child’s life, please contact A Wish Come True, Inc.           

A Wish Come True, Inc.
1010 Warwick Avenue
Warwick, RI 02888
401♦781♦9199 
Fax: (401) 781-6227
john@awishcometrue.org

"Dreams are only A WISH away"