Ryan's wish to be a police officer

It takes a whole #WishForce to bring unforgettable wishes to life and in Ryan's case, a whole police force, too! Watch how police officers from across Brisbane made the 14-year-old's dream come true when he joined them for a day.

Ryan, 14, Ewing's sarcoma - I wish to learn about the Police Force and experience being a real officer.

Wish video

Police academy

Ryan spent a day at the Queensland Police Academy getting trained up in all aspects of the police force.

Watch to check out how they put him through his paces.
“Make-A-Wish are such an important part of a child's cancer journey, in a time where there is so much negative, pain, sadness and isolation, a wish gives hope and some happy memories to look back on.”
Louise, Ryan's mum

The Wish Journey

How a wish comes to life

1. Wish Capture

1. Wish Capture

Depending on availability, either our Make-A-Wish volunteers or our Wish Catcher team will arrange to meet each child (either in-person or virtually) to capture their greatest wish idea, getting to the heart of what they truly want and why. This is part of what makes Make-A-Wish unique, giving children full creative control while exploring their wish idea.

2. Wish Design

2. Wish Design

Back at Make-A-Wish HQ, we collaborate with families and volunteers, with support of the medical teams, to create the ultimate wish experience for each child.

3. Wish Anticipation

3. Wish Anticipation

In the lead up to the wish, we take each child on an anticipation journey designed to build excitement, keep them engaged until their wish comes true, and provide a welcome distraction from medical treatment. Anticipation can be incredibly powerful, helping to calm, distract, and inspire kids at a time they need it most.

4. Wish Realisation

4. Wish Realisation

This is when the planning, preparation, and anticipation of the wish finally comes true. Children get to experience their greatest wish – it's everything they’ve imagined and more.

5. Wish Impact

5. Wish Impact

Wish impact studies show that a child's wish lives on, long after the moment. A wish gives more than just hope – with an incredible and lasting effect on the lives of wish kids, their families, and wider communities.