How Wishes Are Granted

In fulfilling wishes, the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® emphasizes not the illness, but the joy that a wish-come-true can bring.  Wish granting is a magical experience that is created through a unique collaboration between wish families, medical professionals, volunteers and donors. The child’s immediate family is included in the wish experience to create happy memories to be cherished by all.  And, to alleviate any stress, all wishes are fulfilled carefree - ALL expenses are covered.

There are four steps to granting a wish. Each step builds on the next to help create the amazing experiences that delight wish kids and their families. The magic of wish granting usually begins with a referral call to the chapter office by a physician or social worker; however, the family or even the child him or herself may do the referral. A wish referral form is completed with relevant information about the child. After the referral has been taken, a medical authorization form is sent to the child’s primary physician. Upon medical approval, a team of volunteer wish granters will schedule an initial wish visit to discover the child’s wish. Once the wish is approved, the wish granters work with the Make-A-Wish^® staff to create the magic of a wish-come-true.

Step 1: Referral
To protect the privacy of potential wish kids, we only accept referrals from medical professionals, parents and children themselves. Children who have reached the age of 2½ and are under the age of 18 at the time of referral who have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization may be eligible for a wish.

Step 2: Medical eligibility
We determine a child’s medical eligibility with the help of the treating physician. The Make-A-Wish staff and/or Board Members do NOT determine medical eligibility.  To receive a wish, the child must be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition – i.e., a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition -  that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy at the time of referral.

Step 3: Finding the true wish
We send one of our enthusiastic wish teams to learn the child’s one true wish. These passionate volunteers connect with wish children and help explore their imaginations for the experience that will delight and inspire them.

Step 4: Creating joy
Our wish granting team, along with our staff and local supporters, creates an unforgettable experience driven by the child’s creativity. It’s an incredible experience that enriches not just the lives of the children and their families, but often an entire community.

Types of Wishes

I wish to go…
Some Make-A-Wish kids want to travel to their favorite theme park, while others want to visit an exotic beach, go on a cruise, see snow for the first time or attend a major sporting event or concert.

I wish to be…
Children search the depths of their imagination when they wish to be someone for a day - a fireman, a police officer or a model, for instance.

I wish to meet…
Many want to meet their favorite athlete, recording artist, television personality, movie star, politician or public figure.

I wish to have…
Children often wish for a special gift, like a computer, a tree house, a shopping spree or something that they have coveted for a long time.