Every wish begins as a moment of joy during a family’s most difficult time, but its impact lasts far beyond. Families often share how their wish renewed their strength, changed their outlook, and reminded them they weren’t alone. That’s why we created Beyond the Wish—to carry that hope forward. This initiative connects Indiana Wish families through community experiences, shared resources, and meaningful connections.
Beyond the Wish: A Community of Hope and Support
If you’re an Indiana Wish family, keep scrolling to see how we continue to support you.
If you’re a supporter, learn more about donating or volunteering.
Support for Every Step Forward
We know a wish is a powerful moment, but what families need just as much is what comes after.
Beyond the Wish ensures families continue to feel supported:
Annual Wish Family Celebrations
A statewide reunion bringing families together for food, fun, and meaningful connection
Community Experiences
Free, donor-supported outings that give families fun, accessible ways to create new memories
Family Resource Hub
Comprehensive tools, support, and ways to stay engaged with the Indiana Wish community
Our Sponsors
Special thanks to our Beyond the Wish sponsors, whose generosity helps us provide lasting support to Indiana Wish families.
Want to support this initiative? Learn more about becoming a sponsor.
Beyond the Wish Family Resource Hub
The Beyond the Wish Family Resource Hub is your go-to destination for ongoing support and connection. From emotional resources and financial assistance to educational scholarships and survivorship tools, we’re here to help your family for life Beyond the Wish.
Emotional Support
*For insured and uninsured families
Brook’s Place*
Provides grief support groups, therapy, and education to help kids, teens, young adults, and their families navigate loss together in a safe, compassionate setting.
Cancer Support Community*
Provides individual, family, and support group counseling for children and families. Teletherapy options are available, along with the Cancer Buddy Program, a free mobile app connecting patients, survivors, and caregivers to resources.
Community Health Network*
Provides a Cancer Survivorship Program, including online programs, virtual workshops, and a monthly newsletter addressing life after treatment.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society*
Offers in-person and virtual support groups for families affected by blood cancers. Information specialists are available to help families navigate emotional support and additional resources.
Psychology Today Directory
A searchable directory to help families find licensed mental health professionals who specialize in working with children and families affected by cancer. Insurance needs depend on the provider.
Financial Assistance
Insurance requirements can vary by service type and provider. Families are encouraged to confirm details directly with the organization.
*For insured and uninsured families
Indiana Wish Immediate Assistance
One-time requests, such as transportation for the deceased, utilities, etc.
American Cancer Society*
Connects families with case managers who help identify financial assistance programs. The Road to Recovery program offers free rides to and from medical appointments.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Financial Programs
Grants and assistance programs such as:
- Urgent Need Program
- Susan Lang Pay-It-Forward Travel Assistance
- Medical Debt Case Management
Little Red Door*
Provides free services for families in Central Indiana, including transportation to and from treatment. Youth programs and family activities are also available through Camp Little Red Door.
Patient Advocate Foundation*
A national nonprofit offering case management services and financial aid to patients with chronic or life-threatening illnesses, as well as resources for caregivers.
Riley’s Children's Hospital
Provides help to families who are struggling to pay medical bills by guiding them through qualifying public coverage options like Medicaid, Healthy Indiana Plan, and Hoosier Healthwise, and by offering financial assistance or discounts on hospital charges if income criteria are met, with trained counselors available to help with applications and support.
Educational Scholarships
Eligibility criteria are summarized for planning purposes. Applicants should review each organization’s website for full requirements, deadlines, and documentation.
Indiana Wish Scholarship
- One-time $1,000 scholarship to wish recipients
- Used for college, trade school, or certification programs
- Disbursements are made directly to the appropriate institution or vendor to cover eligible expenses
AbbVie Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship
Criteria:
- Individual diagnosed with cystic fibrosis or sibling/caregiver
- U.S. resident
- High school senior or current college/graduate student
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution
- Academic achievement and community involvement
Cancer for College Scholarships
Criteria:
- Cancer survivor
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college or trade school
- U.S. resident
- Demonstrated financial need
- Academic persistence and personal resilience emphasized over GPA
Children’s Cancer Cause
Criteria:
- Childhood cancer survivor
- Diagnosed before age 18
- U.S. resident
- High school senior or undergraduate student
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution
- Demonstrated leadership, advocacy, or service involvement
EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases Scholarship Program
Criteria:
- Diagnosed with a rare disease or an immediate family member/caregiver
- U.S. resident
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited post-secondary program
- Demonstrated academic commitment
- Personal impact of rare disease
National Children’s Cancer Society Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship
Criteria:
- Childhood cancer survivor
- Diagnosed before age 18
- At least two years post-treatment
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in post-secondary education
- U.S. resident
- Academic effort and personal goals (not strictly GPA-based)
Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Survivor and Sibling Scholarships
Criteria:
- Childhood cancer survivor or sibling of a childhood cancer patient
- Diagnosed before age 18 (for survivor applicants)
- High school senior or current college student
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in a two- or four-year college or vocational program
- U.S. resident
- Financial need
Patient Advocate Foundation Scholarship for Survivors
Criteria:
- Cancer survivor (diagnosed at any age)
- Completed active treatment
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited post-secondary program
- U.S. resident
- Demonstrated financial need
- Commitment to education and long-term goals
Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation Scholarship
Criteria:
- Childhood cancer survivor
- Diagnosed before age 18
- High school graduate or GED recipient
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college or vocational program
- U.S. resident
- Academic commitment
#RAREis Scholarship Fund
Criteria:
- Open to students diagnosed with any rare disease (regardless of treatment status)
- Must be a U.S. resident and age 17+
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in a college, university, or vocational school
The Evan Foundation
Criteria:
- Childhood cancer survivor
- Diagnosed before age 18
- At least two years post-treatment
- High school senior or current college student
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, or trade school
- Academic motivation and personal growth
The Izzy Foundation Academic Scholarships
Criteria:
- Childhood cancer survivor or sibling
- Diagnosed before age 18 (for survivor applicants)
- High school senior or current college student
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in post-secondary education
- Financial need
- Personal story and perseverance emphasized
The Ulman Foundation Scholarships
Criteria:
- Young adult cancer survivor
- Diagnosed between ages 15-39
- Currently in treatment or post-treatment
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in post-secondary education
- Demonstrated financial need
- Must live or receive care in the U.S.
IAAPA Give Kids the World Village
For Our Disney Alumni
If your family was granted a Disney World Wish, the magic doesn’t end there! Through IAAPA’s Give Kids the World Village, you have the unique opportunity to experience even more unforgettable moments. This exclusive benefit offers your family more moments where joy, hope, and cherished memories come to life.
World Passport for Kids
After their wish trip, families receive a one-year passport that allows the wish child and their immediate family free admission to participating attractions, helping the experience extend beyond the original visit.
Alumni Connection
After completing their wish, families become part of the Give Kids The World alumni community, allowing them to stay connected through updates and ongoing engagement opportunities.
Annual Day Visit to the Village
Wish families are welcome to return to Give Kids The World Village annually for a day visit, giving them the opportunity to reconnect with the Village and relive the magic, even without an overnight stay.
Contact Tami O’Brien at tamio@gktw.org to schedule your visit or ask any questions. Insurance requirements can vary by service type and provider. Families are encouraged to confirm details directly with the organization.
