At Nik's Wish, we believe in the transformative power of joy. Inspired by the love and courage of one extraordinary young man, Nikolas Ritschel, and driven by the unyielding dedication of his mother, Kelli, we have made it our mission to BRING JOY to young adults aged 18-24 who are battling cancer, along with their loved ones.

It all began with Nik's own experience. Diagnosed with cancer just before his 18th birthday, Nik was granted a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. That wish became a beacon of hope and happiness during a time of immense struggle and pain. However, Nik soon discovered that if a young adult is diagnosed with cancer after they turn 18 then they do not qualify for Make-A-Wish. In fact, there are very few programs for this age group. In the face of his own battle, Nik selflessly expressed his desire to help others like him, ensuring that they too could experience the HOPE and JOY that a wish brings. 

In August 2012, after Nik's passing, Kelli embarked on a mission to ensure that other young adults facing cancer would have the opportunity to experience a wish. Drawing upon her own experience of witnessing the impact of a wish in Nik's life, Kelli founded the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation. Kelli's unwavering love for her son and the support of her family and friends propelled the organization forward. Driven by the belief that wishes could bring hope, happiness, and much-needed respite to young adults battling cancer who had aged out of other wish-granting organizations.

Today, The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation thrives through the collaborative efforts of volunteers, local businesses, corporate and individual donors. Their support is instrumental in continuing to deliver joy to those who need it most. Together, we strive to bridge the gap that young adult cancer warriors face and ensure the availability of funding for their wishes.

If you share our belief in the transformative power of joy and seek to make a difference, we invite you to join us. Whether you can contribute your time, talent, or financial resources, your support will help us create sustainability and continue our mission. 

Together, we can BRING JOY, hope, and cherished moments to the lives of young adults and their loved ones battling cancer.

To learn more about The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation and how you can get involved and fill the gap, please visit our website at www.nikswish.org.