Make-A-Wish Arizona celebrates 6,000 wishes

TEMPE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Thousands gathered at Tempe Town Market Place Sunday to take part in the annual Walk of Wishes put on by Make-A-Wish Arizona. The event raises funds to grant more wishes, and this year was made extra special because of a surprise wish.

Every fall Make-A-Wish Arizona holds their Walk of Wishes, the chapter's annual signature event where supporters, wish kids and their families celebrate the success of the foundation and commit to raising funds.

"It's really focused on our wish families and having a great time for our wish families, also allowing our donors and our supporters to come and really see the impact of a wish and meet wish families and raise money for future wishes," said Hollie Costello with Make-A-Wish Arizona.

Sunday was all about celebrating, and in front of a crowd of nearly 2,000, Make-A-Wish Arizona granted wish number 6,000.

"He loves music, he always has so for this all to happen is like all coming true for him, it's a wish come true definitely," said Kristy Abdeljelil.

Hassen and his mom Kristy say they're overwhelmed with gratitude. Make-A-Wish Arizona granted his wish for a brand new fender guitar. He says music has always been a passion of his and has helped him through some tough times.

"Now I'm going through treatment every other month and it's great, I'm feeling a lot better and it's just improved my quality of life," said Hassen Abdeljelil.

Hassen adds looking around at all the people who made this day for him possible, it's inspired him to pay it forward.

"When you're 18 you can become a junior wish granter so that's what I want to do and help people out, you know I think it's good to hear other people's stories and help them, you know it's not about the materials, it's about what you get out of it," says Hassen.