Make-A-Wish Foundation celebrated World Diabetes Day by granting the wishes of 11 children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, during a special event held with the generous support of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and hosted by both the Imperial College London Diabetes & Endocrine Center and the HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, part of the M42 group.
The event was held at the centre’s premises in the presence of representatives from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Ms. Muna Al Jaber, Board Member of Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Ms. Noha El Shourbagy, Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation, along with a group of physicians, specialists, and the children’s families.
The granted wishes varied between the latest electronic devices, interactive games, and travel experiences, in an atmosphere filled with joy that delighted the children and their families, embodying the Foundation’s mission of spreading hope and bringing smiles to young patients’ faces.
Muna Al Jaber extended her sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development for its continuous support and noble efforts in enabling the Foundation to grant children’s wishes and bring happiness to their hearts. She emphasized that this support reflects the spirit of giving and social responsibility that characterizes the nation’s institutions and contributes to creating a real and lasting humanitarian impact.
In her remarks on the occasion, Al Jaber expressed the Foundation’s pride in participating in this humanitarian event, saying:
"At Make-A-Wish Foundation, we believe that every child deserves a moment of happiness that lights their path with hope. We are delighted to celebrate World Diabetes Day alongside our partners at the Imperial College London Diabetes and Endocrine Center, the HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development - united by a noble humanitarian goal to support our young patients and enable them to experience moments filled with joy and positivity.
She added that since its establishment, the Foundation has granted more than 1,600 wishes for children with diabetes from over 80 nationalities around the world, stressing that the Foundation’s humanitarian mission continues, thanks to the tremendous support of partners and sponsors who believe in the value of giving and its positive impact on society.
For his part, H.E. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, affirmed that this event aligns with the Fund’s strategic approach to supporting community initiatives. He noted that the Fund’s participation reflects its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with various supporting institutions to promote social solidarity and shared responsibility among community members. He added that the Fund places special importance on initiatives related to children’s health, as supporting them is a vital step toward achieving noble humanitarian goals and providing opportunities that offer hope for a brighter future.
Dr. Mai Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of Outpatient Clinics at M42—which includes both the Imperial College London Diabetes and Endocrine Centre and the HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology Center—stated:
"At M42, our mission goes beyond providing world-class healthcare; it is about instilling hope and improving quality of life. We are extremely proud of our partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development in bringing joy to children living with diabetes. Our physicians witness daily the courage and resilience of these young patients. Seeing their smiles today reminds us that compassion and care lie at the heart of everything we do.
The event concluded with heartfelt moments of pride and gratitude, as Make-A-Wish Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to granting more wishes for children of various backgrounds and nationalities, in alignment with the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership to position the country as a beacon of goodness, humanity, and generosity.
