Travelers are invited to help children battling critical illnesses take flight by donating their miles, points, and dollars
Orange County, Calif. (September 16, 2025) – Today, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire (OCIE) and John Wayne Airport launched Trips That Transform, a three-month-long campaign celebrating the travel wishes granted to children with critical illnesses—and the donors who make them possible.
With over 75 percent of wishes requiring air travel, Make-A-Wish OCIE needs more than 40 million airline miles each year to fulfill travel wishes for children and their families living in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
Now more than ever, local wish kids are depending on the generosity of individuals and corporate partners to contribute unused airline miles, soon-to-expire travel points, and monetary gifts to ensure that no child has to wait for the hope a wish brings.
A Wish in Action: Tristan’s Journey
For 8-year-old Tristan of Newport Beach, a fascination with sharks began during long hospital stays following his cancer diagnosis at just 4-years-old. Years of chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and stem cell transplants couldn’t dim his joy or curiosity. When it came time to choose his wish, there was no hesitation—Tristan wanted to swim with sharks.
Thanks to donated airline miles, Tristan and his family traveled to the Florida Keys, where he swam alongside nurse sharks, explored the Turtle Hospital, and glided over crystal-clear waters on a glass-bottom boat. What started as a childhood fascination became a celebration of resilience and a spark of adventure that continues to inspire him today.
“Travel wishes are more than just trips—they are powerful, transformative experiences that provide hope, joy, and strength,” said Anne Grey, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. “Every donated mile helps us say ‘yes’ to more children like Tristan, creating moments they and their families will cherish for a lifetime.”
The Need for Community Support
Currently, 400 local children are waiting for their life-changing wishes. On average, one domestic round-trip ticket costs 54,000 airline miles, and all miles donated through Trips That Transform are used to grant wishes for children in our local communities.
Many major airlines—including American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United—allow frequent flier members to donate miles to Make-A-Wish. Once donated, miles never expire and help offset air travel expenses, allowing more monetary donations to go directly toward granting wishes.
John Wayne Airport Joins the Mission
Throughout September, October, and November, John Wayne Airport will feature roadway banners and digital displays in the terminal encouraging travelers to donate airline miles.
“We are thrilled to once again partner with Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire to help grant more travel wishes,” said Charlene Reynolds, Airport Director. “We encourage all who travel through John Wayne Airport to join us in supporting this incredible effort and donating their unused, low-balance, or soon-to-expire miles to help wish kids take flight.”
“We hope Orange County residents consider donating their miles as an act of kindness for these children and their families,” said Chair Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “With this partnership, we hope to make a positive impact for our community and spread kindness.”
“Make-A-Wish brings hope to children and families when they need it most,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley, Fifth District. “The organization's collaboration with John Wayne Airport transforms the everyday travel experience into a moment uplifting our community. I’m thrilled to witness the way these generously donated miles help make the dreams for Orange County children come true, bringing moments of healing and joy during an incredibly difficult time.”
“I’m so proud that John Wayne Airport offers opportunities for the public to donate miles to Make-A-Wish® children,” said Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, First District, “My wish is to see many more Orange County children take the best journey of their lives.”
“I couldn’t be happier that we’re partnering once again with Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire to remind residents and visitors alike that their generosity can truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families,” said Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Second District. “We’re proud to support and stand with this impactful mission.”
“I’m delighted that John Wayne Airport partners with Make-A-Wish Foundation to celebrate the travel wishes of children facing critical illnesses in Orange County,” said Supervisor Don Wagner, Third District. “Make-A-Wish Foundation’s incredible work to brighten the lives of ill youngsters is praiseworthy, and Orange County is proud to play a small part in making that happen.”
How to Donate
Travelers can donate unused airline miles, travel points, or dollars by visiting ocair.com/wish. Every mile makes a difference.
When a wish is granted, a child replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy, and anxiety with hope. Wishes give children renewed energy and strength, bring families closer together, and inspire entire communities.
To learn more about how a wish come true can transform the lives of everyone involved, follow Make-A-Wish OCIE and John Wayne Airport and #JWAWishes on social media.
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About Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire
Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bring every eligible child's wish to life because every child deserves a childhood. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness. Since our chapter’s founding in 1983, more than 8,400 wishes have been granted for children in the local community. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 34,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire and 57 other chapters throughout the U.S. have granted more than 350,000 wishes nationwide. For more information, visit www.wish.org/ocie.
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Make-A-Wish Media Contact:
Anne Grey
agrey@ocie.wish.org
760-895-0401
John Wayne Airport Media Contact:
AnnaSophia Servin
AServin@ocair.com
949-252-5182