Make-A-Wish and Chase Renew Partnership: Granting Travel Wishes
In a significant move to continue uplifting children facing critical illnesses, Make-A-Wish America and Chase have announced a renewal of their national partnership. This collaboration has already made an impactful difference, with over 1,000 wishes granted across the United States. As a testament to their commitment, Chase is contributing an additional $3 million in Ultimate Rewards. This brings their total investment to an impressive $9.2 million since 2024.
Travel remains a crucial aspect of the wish experience offered by Make-A-Wish. With more than 75% of the wishes awaiting fulfillment involving travel, the support from Chase is vital in addressing the rising costs of such journeys. Leslie Motter, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, emphasizes that wishes including air travel often represent significant financial demands, particularly during pivotal moments for these children and their families.
The Importance of Travel Wishes
Wishes that provide travel experiences allow families to create cherished memories away from medical settings. Research indicates that such experiences not only reduce stress but also foster emotional well-being, enhancing hope and resilience during tough times. Families often find solace and strength through these journeys, reinforcing their bonds away from the usual hospital environment.
Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, Head of Travel Policy at Chase Travel Group, expressed pride in their continued relationship with Make-A-Wish. Since the inception of their partnership, they’ve witnessed the profound impact that their points can have when used for good, helping families create memorable travel experiences during challenging times.
For instance, let's look at the inspiring story of Drew, a 16-year-old from Chicago. After an exhausting battle with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which included a successful bone marrow transplant, Drew was declared cancer-free. His wish, made possible by the partnership between Make-A-Wish and Chase, was to enjoy a fishing excursion in Key West, Florida. This getaway served as a healing experience for Drew and his family, allowing them to reconnect and celebrate the end of a long, arduous journey.
“Going far out of state was more than just a trip; it symbolized recovery—almost a return to normalcy,” Drew shared, highlighting the essence of these experiential wishes.
How Chase Supports Wishes Beyond Funding
Chase's support extends beyond financial contributions. By enabling cardholders to engage in wish-granting through rewards, they empower the community to take part in making a difference. Chase cardmembers can also donate to Make-A-Wish through their Ultimate Rewards, receiving statement credits via the Pay Yourself Back® feature, further enhancing the possibilities of fulfilling wishes nationwide.
Make-A-Wish invites eligible Chase cardholders to visit
wish.org/Chase to learn more about how their participation can lead to granting even more wishes.
About Make-A-Wish and Chase
Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish has granted over 650,000 wishes globally since 1980. The organization aims to bring hope and joy to children dealing with critical illnesses, providing unforgettable experiences when families need them the most.
Chase, as a leading financial services firm under JPMorgan Chase & Co., delivers a variety of banking products and services to millions of consumers. Their collaboration with Make-A-Wish exemplifies their commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement.
This partnership not only symbolizes innovative financial commitment but also demonstrates the power of community and generosity in improving lives, one wish at a time. Through this ongoing relationship, Make-A-Wish and Chase hope to create countless more cherished memories for children and families in need, reinforcing the idea that hope really does make wishes come true.