Stéphanie Lhermitte on the True Impact of Make A Wish France

 

In France, where thousands of children face the weight of critical illness every year, Make-A-Wish France stands as a rare force of hope, one that transforms courage into possibility by granting life-changing wishes. At the heart of this mission is Stéphanie Lhermitte, the dynamic CEO who has reshaped and expanded the organization with a single, unwavering priority: bringing joy, strength, and light back into the lives of children and their families. Since joining the non-profit organization, Make-A-Wish France has grown, professionalized, and tripled the number of wishes granted, all while preserving the emotional magic that defines the association.

As the organization prepares for its highly anticipated annual fundraising Gala this December, Stéphanie Lhermitte reflects on the impact of a wish, the collective power behind each dream, and the responsibility of ensuring that every eligible child in France receives their moment of wonder. 

AM: For those discovering Make-A-Wish France for the first time, how would you summarize the association’s mission in one sentence?
Stéphanie Lhermitte: We grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses to give back what the illness has taken from them: a piece of childhood, the right to dream, to marvel, and to believe that anything becomes possible again.

AM: What distinguishes Make-A-Wish France from other organizations dedicated to seriously ill children?
Stéphanie Lhermitte: Our approach is rooted in the “Wish Journey,” a process full of anticipation that helps the child hold on, dream, and regain strength until their wish comes true. This journey fits into their treatment path and acts as a breath of hope. 

What also sets us apart is the involvement of the whole family: every wish is tailor-made around the child, but always experienced together, like a true bubble of love. We also benefit from the strength of the international Make-A-Wish network, active in 50 countries with over 27,000 volunteers, which opens extraordinary doors for us, recently with the NBA or artists such as Ed Sheeran.

AM: How are wish-eligible children identified, and what safeguards ensure a fair and transparent process?
Stéphanie Lhermitte: We do not “select” wishes: every eligible child has theirs granted, with kindness, rigor, and fairness. In France, a new child becomes eligible for a Make-A-Wish wish every hour, a figure that illustrates both the scale of the need and the urgency to act. Eligibility is assessed jointly with the referring doctor and our medical committee: the child must be between 3 and 17 years old, never have received a wish before, and be living with a severe illness or undergoing heavy treatment…

AM: Since taking over the leadership of the association, which accomplishments or major milestones are you most proud of?
Stéphanie Lhermitte: Since I arrived, Make-A-Wish France has transformed, grown, and become more structured, without ever losing sight of what makes it strong: being at the service of children, our absolute priority.

In two years, we have tripled the number of wishes granted while maintaining the quality of every single one. We have strengthened the organization, begun opening regional branches, and reinforced ties with hospitals to stay close to families. We have also formed new strategic partnerships with companies, foundations, and committed artists. But my greatest pride remains this incredible collective cohesion, all these people driven by the same energy, united in service of children’s dreams!

AM: How do you evaluate the long-term impact of a wish on a child and their family?
Stéphanie Lhermitte: A wish acts as a true therapy of hope. The child becomes active again, they choose, they decide. And that power changes everything. Studies conducted by Make-A-Wish International show that 97% of families observe an improvement in the child’s morale, and 90% of doctors report better adherence to treatment. When you give back a horizon, you give back strength. The spirit lifts, and the body follows.

For parents, it is often the first time in a long while that they see their child smile effortlessly. 

AM: Is there a wish or encounter that particularly marked you?
Stéphanie Lhermitte: All of them leave a mark. I especially remember my first wish within the association, whenever I can, I accompany some children and their families to share these unique moments.

Aaron, age 17, living with neuroblastoma and passionate about Formula 1, dreamed of meeting Pierre Gasly. When he was able to spend time with Pierre and sit in an F1 car, his powerful smile said everything. His mother told me: “Stéphanie, it’s the first time in so many months that I see my son become himself again.” When you see these smiles return and these eyes light up, you understand that you’ve done far more than grant a wish.

AM: Volunteers are essential to Make-A-Wish’s operations. How do you recruit, train, and retain them?
Stéphanie Lhermitte: Yes, volunteers are the soul of Make-A-Wish. Without them, no wish could come to life. There are now more than 120 in France, and over 27,000 worldwide.

Their recruitment is carried out with care: some join through our networks, others via volunteer platforms, or because they have been personally touched by illness. Above all, we look for people ready to commit emotionally and humanly to children and their families. Our volunteers form a collective that reflects society: young adults, retirees, recent graduates, executives… all driven by the same desire to make a difference and bring back smiles.

Each volunteer is trained upon arrival, supported throughout their journey, and participates in regular exchange sessions to maintain this beautiful collective energy. For every wish, a volunteer duo gets to know the child, builds a bond with the family, and constructs the wish journey step-by-step, with listening, kindness, and creativity. Their dedication is unique, their impact immense… and their enthusiasm truly contagious!

AM: In what other ways can individuals or communities get involved beyond financial donations?
Stéphanie Lhermitte: There are several ways to become a WishMaker: by becoming a volunteer, a partner, by sharing our mission, or simply by relaying our actions. I won’t hide that today, we especially need funds to support our growth and grant more and more wishes. A wish is a months-long journey that costs an average of €5,000, with all expenses covered. Fundraising remains time-consuming, time we would always prefer to devote to the essentials: the children, their dreams, and the hope they carry.

AM: What is the main objective of this Gala? And can you reveal the theme, venue, and a few expected guests, artists, or key moments?
Stéphanie Lhermitte: The Make-A-Wish France Gala is our major annual event. It has a double mission: to fund numerous wishes and to bring together those who support the association, companies, patrons, celebrities, and loyal friends.

This year, it will take place on December 8th at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Richelieu.
A dinner by Jean-François Piège, inspiring testimonials, an Artcurial charity auction, and performances by artists such as Charlotte Cardin and Louane promise an exceptional evening. And of course, a few surprises will remind everyone that the magic of childhood can take us very far…

AM: And for those who cannot attend the Gala, how can they still participate or support Make-A-Wish?
Stéphanie Lhermitte: The Gala will be livestreamed on our Instagram account (@makeawishfr), but it is only one moment among many for those who want to join the Make-A-Wish adventure. What matters most is continuing to fuel this chain of solidarity that helps every child rediscover a bit of light.

In 2026, several charity events will take place throughout the year, charity runs, gaming events, fundraising evenings, offering many opportunities for everyone to participate in their own way. Because there is a before and an after a wish.