Interviews
Celebrating Prof. Klara Posfay Barbe: A historic milestone in the medical field in Switzerland
At Make-A-Wish, we are very pleased to warmly congratulate Professor Klara Posfay Barbe, member of our Medical Committee and Medical Advisor, on her historic appointment as Medical Director of the Geneva University Hospitals (#HUG). This achievement marks a first for a woman in this prestigious position in Switzerland.
In a recent interview with Make-A-Wish, Professor Posfay Barbe shared her unique experiences with Wish Kids, highlighting the critical role wishes play in the therapeutic support and well-being of seriously ill children. She emphasized that these precious moments provide therapeutic benefits that go far beyond standard medical care, improving children’s overall quality of life.
Professor Posfay Barbe’s reflections highlight the positive impact of wishes, offering an inspiring perspective on the emotional and psychological support provided to young patients in their healing journey. Her expertise and caring approach represent a source of hope for the children, their families and all those who support these courageous young patients.
We are deeply grateful to Professor Posfay Barbe for her dedication to our mission and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of children with serious illnesses. Her work inspires us and strengthens our shared belief in the power of hope.
Thank you, Professor Posfay Barbe, for your passion, commitment and tireless support. Together, we remain committed to transforming dreams into lasting sources of hope for children and their families.
The Transformative Power of a Wish: Dr. Brazzola's Perspectives on Healing and Hope
“There is a spark… a strength, an energy that children who have made a wish have acquired, allowing them to overcome certain challenges much more easily,” says Dr. Brazzola, based in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino in Switzerland, when describing the positive impact a wish can have on the healing process of a seriously ill child. This spark, he says, is not just symbolic; it can truly influence the child’s resilience and well-being during treatment.
At Make-A-Wish Switzerland, some of our most passionate supporters are healthcare professionals who see first-hand the profound difference a wish can make. Doctors, like Dr. Brazzola, are often the first to see a child’s need for hope and joy, referring them to Make-A-Wish and seeing the positive effects throughout the wish journey. With over a decade of partnership, Dr. Brazzola has referred many children, seeing each wish as a powerful moment of comfort that contributes to their healing.
Make-A-Wish International President and CEO Luciano Manzo recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Brazzola to discuss his invaluable experiences and the global impact of granting wishes. Dr. Brazzola’s enduring commitment to Make-A-Wish reflects a belief shared by many healthcare professionals: granting a wish gives seriously ill children renewed strength, motivation and hope.
This partnership between healthcare professionals and Make-A-Wish exemplifies how compassion and community support can come together to brighten lives, foster resilience, and create lasting memories for children and their families. We are immensely grateful to Dr. Brazzola and all healthcare professionals who share our mission to transform lives, one wish at a time.
Articles / Media
The Wishes
A child's wish is unique, it is up to the child to choose it. We take care of preparing it and making it a tailor-made one. Our talented Ticino volunteers first meet the child and their family at home to get to know each other and understand the reason for the choice. This is followed by a whole waiting phase, sometimes with the help of external service providers, during which we prepare the child for their wish and involve them in certain decisions, so that they can already start dreaming. Children want to meet their idols, live an exciting experience, go to the place of their dreams or receive an object they have always dreamed of. We always create an event, adding a touch of magic and little surprises to the wish, so that it remains a positive memory shared with the whole family.
Thanks to the Spazio Salute Pharmacy for this article about our mission and more particularly concerning the wishes granted by the Foundation.
20 years of the Make-A-Wish Foundation
Whether it's tips and tricks from Roger Federer, a flight in a fighter jet or a meeting with Mickey Mouse in a luxury hotel: when it comes to the most cherished wishes of seriously ill children, the Make-A-Wish Switzerland foundation makes almost everything come true. possible . The story of Make-A-Wish International began more than 40 years ago when a seven-year-old boy in Phoenix dreamed of being a police officer for a day while suffering from severe leukemia. A small group of volunteers made this possible and then founded an organization to help other children realize their hearts' desires. Since then, volunteers in more than 50 countries have made magical experiences possible for more than half a million sick children between the ages of 3 and 18. Make-A-Wish Switzerland is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Special thanks to @swiss illustrated for this article on the Foundation's 20th anniversary and the mission of Make-A-Wish!
What does it mean to grant a wish as we understand it at Make-A-Wish?
A wish is not just a fleeting gift given to a seriously ill child. It is a planned journey, designed to complement their medical treatment. The journey of wish fulfillment—from capturing it to anticipating it, from the big day of the wish to the lasting memories—helps to strengthen the child’s emotional and physical well-being by providing powerful, positive experiences.
Thanks to the Women and Sports Review for this article about the Foundation and more specifically about the steps involved in making a wish come true.
A positive impact on morale
"We make impossible dreams possible. Devon has been able to talk to famous pilots. The hardest part is reuniting a child with a significant other. Fulfilling a child's wish has a fundamental impact on their morale. Several studies show this. It is something that also brings joy to volunteers and families. There are families who enter into crisis when faced with a child's illness. Fulfilling a wish unites them."
Desirée Dellavolta, Head of Southern AlpsMake-A-Wish
Special thanks to @ticionline for this article about Devon's story and the mission of Make-A-Wish!
How does Make-A-Wish work in Switzerland and Liechtenstein?
An interview that reveals the steps to make the dreams of children with serious illnesses come true. By answering several questions such as: What are the areas of possibilities for wishes that the foundation can grant?
Special thanks to @UNToday for this article about Make-A-Wish's mission and the dreams it makes come true!
20 years of wishes granted
“Make-A-Wish Switzerland and Liechtenstein was founded in Geneva in 2003 and has since granted more than 750 wishes to seriously ill children, often through activities involving the whole family.
On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, Make-A-Wish wants to focus on solidarity and visibility. To this end, various events of all kinds were organized in all regions of Switzerland and Liechtenstein: charity runs, lunches, fundraising evenings, tournaments, concerts, time shops, to name just a few.
Special thanks to @ticinowelcome for this article in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Make-A-Wish Switzerland Foundation!
A wish beyond magic: Discover the transformative power of dreams with the RTS report, for the program ''Ensemble''
We are proud to share a moving report broadcast on the show Together RTS, which highlights the profound impact of Make-A-Wish Switzerland & Liechtenstein's mission. This moving report illustrates not only magical moments, but also transformative life stories that leave a lasting mark on children and their families.
Among the inspiring stories featured, Guillaume’s stands out for his exceptional testimony of the lasting power of a wish. A former Make-A-Wish recipient, Guillaume saw his wish come true. That magical moment turned into a defining experience that shaped his future. Now a musician, Guillaume expresses his emotions and journey through his songs, sharing an inspiring story of resilience, hope, and creativity.
In the report, Guillaume and his mother deliver a touching testimony. Their words show how a simple wish can go far beyond a fleeting moment of joy, revealing ambitions, nurturing self-confidence and inspiring a new meaning to life. It is a poignant reminder that every wish granted leaves a powerful imprint, opening doors to new possibilities for seriously ill children.
We extend our most sincere thanks to RTS and the team of Together for bringing this moving story to light and for supporting the vital work of Make-A-Wish. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Guillaume and his mother for their courage and generosity in sharing their journey—a message of hope that resonates with all of us.
Radio appearances
RADIO LAKE
RADIO CHABLAIS
RADIO FR
1 part
RADIO FR
2 part
Interview Gwill, Make-A-Wish Ambassador, Radio Rouge FM, 25.08.2022/XNUMX/XNUMX
Radio Lac, Gonet Geneva Open 2023, part 1
Radio Lac, Gonet Geneva Open 2023, part 2