Parents Page
FAQ
About Making Wishes Come True
About Wishes
Who is eligible for a wish?
Any child between the ages of 2 ½ and 18 (at the time of referral) with a physician-certified life-threatening illness or medical condition is eligible for a wish. The child must not have received a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation or another wish-granting organization.
How are kids referred to the Foundation?
Any child between the ages of 2 1⁄2 and 18 with a life-threatening medical condition may qualify for a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. To maintain the privacy and comfort of the families we serve, we only accept referrals from three sources:
- Medical professionals treating the child including doctors, nurses, social workers and child-life specialists;
- The child's parent or legal guardian; and
- The potential wish child.
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How are wish-granting costs covered?
We receive many generous donations from individuals, corporations, and other foundations. In fact, we receive no government funding and 100 percent of our revenue comes from generous donors in our communities. To defray cash expenses, we also accept donated goods and services. On behalf of the wish children, any goods used for a wish, such as computers or toys, must be new or of new quality. Click here to learn how you can help support the Foundation.
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What do children wish for?
Wishes reflect a child's heartfelt desire, and can range from something grand and complex to something simple and basic. Often, a wish is limited only by the child's imagination and physical ability to participate in the wish. Most wish requests fall into four categories:
- I wish to go: Some Make-A-Wish kids wish to travel to a favorite theme park, while others wish to visit an exotic beach, go on a cruise, or attend a major sporting event.
- I wish to be: Children search the depths of their imagination when they wish to be someone for a day - such as a fireman, a police officer, or a ballerina.
- I wish to meet: Many children wish to meet their favorite athlete, recording artist, movie star, cartoon character, or public figure.
- I wish to have: Children often wish for a special gift, like a computer, a play house, a shopping spree, or something that they have coveted for a long time.
Click here to see some of the latest wishes we've granted
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What is the average cost of a wish?
Since no two wishes are alike, the cost associated with coordinating a wish varies depending upon the type and location of a wish. All expenses associated with the experience are paid for by the Foundation. When possible, donations of goods and services are sought to reduce cash expenses.
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How are wishes fulfilled?
Make-A-Wish volunteer teams work in pairs to coordinate the details of each child's wish. Once a child's medical eligibility is confirmed, wish volunteers visit the family to determine the child's wish. Volunteers ask the child the magic question: "If you could have anything, go anywhere, meet anyone, or be anyone, what would you wish for?" Inviting a child to imagine joy in the midst of a difficult time is an important part of the life-enhancing process the wish experience offers.
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Does the family contribute toward the wish?
Wish expenses are fully covered by the Make-A-Wish chapter granting the wish. This often includes travel expenses, lodging, meals, and even spending money. Our objective is to provide the family with a joyful, worry-free experience.
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