Kirby Foundation helps grant Disneyland wish for Louisiana child with leukemia

The Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation partnered with Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana to send 10-year-old Sarah, who has battled leukemia for more than two and a half years, to Disneyland. The effort highlights how local donors can turn wish-granting into a source of hope for critically ill children and their families.

Why it matters: - The wish gave 10-year-old Sarah and her family a chance to create lasting memories during a prolonged leukemia battle. - The partnership shows how local philanthropy can support children facing critical illnesses with experiences tied to hope and emotional relief. - The foundation’s support also adds momentum to Make-A-Wish efforts across Louisiana.

What happened: - The Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation partnered with Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana to grant Sarah’s wish to visit Disneyland. - Sarah is a 10-year-old Louisiana child who has battled leukemia for more than two and a half years. - The announcement was made on September 1, 2026, in New Orleans.

The details: - The foundation said the Disneyland trip created cherished memories for Sarah and her family during a difficult chapter. - Kerry W. Kirby said granting Sarah’s wish was one of the most meaningful experiences the foundation has had. - Melinda M. Kirby said Sarah’s smile underscored the value of helping children dream. - Shelly Millwee, CEO and president of Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, said the foundation’s generosity will give Sarah and her family moments they will cherish forever. - The Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation has also supported Make-A-Wish through a local wish and statewide awareness work. - That awareness work included illuminating two Louisiana bridges in blue for World Wish Day. - The foundation says its broader mission includes humanitarian, educational, healthcare and equality initiatives. - The foundation provides resources to nonprofit organizations that aim to drive progress and amplify voices often not heard. - Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana says it has granted more than 12,500 wishes since 1984. - The chapter granted 650 wishes in fiscal year 2025, a record for the organization. - Make-A-Wish says it operates as one of 58 chapters across the United States and its territories. - Make-A-Wish says it has granted more than 575,000 wishes worldwide since 1980. - The organization describes itself as the No. 1 most trusted nonprofit operating locally across 50 states, per Morning Consult.

Between the lines: - The foundation is building a visible relationship with Make-A-Wish that goes beyond a single trip. - The bridge lighting suggests the partnership is also designed to raise public awareness, not just fund individual wishes. - The quotes frame wish-granting as both emotional support and community impact, which may help drive future donor engagement.

What's next: - The Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation is positioning itself for continued support of Make-A-Wish and related community efforts. - Make-A-Wish Louisiana is asking supporters to help bring more wishes to children with critical illnesses. - More information is available through Kirby.Foundation and Make-A-Wish Louisiana. - The foundation can also be found on LinkedIn.

The bottom line: - A single wish delivered a joyful break for one Louisiana family, while reinforcing how donor partnerships help Make-A-Wish scale hope for other children facing serious illness.