FAQs for Parents & Families

Q. Does accepting a wish mean that we’re giving up hope for our child’s recovery?
A. No. The Make-A-Wish Foundation^® has sometimes been incorrectly portrayed as an organization that grants wishes only to children who are terminally ill. Our eligibility criteria stipulate that a child must be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, not a terminal condition. The process of making a wish is life-affirming and full of hope. For many children a wish experience becomes a turning point, renewing their courage and determination to fight for a future. Our wish children who are now adults would attest to this!

Q. When is the best time to to refer a child for a wish?
A. Every child is unique, and so is their wish journey. Here are some guidelines for timing of a referral:

• What’s the child’s age? Will they be old enough to remember the wish? Most wishes are granted within one year from the date the child is referred.
• Wishes are “good medicine!” Could your child benefit from the excitement and distraction of going through our wish process during a trying time with their illness?
• Medical eligibility is determined at time of referral. A child must be referred while they are of age and medically eligible.

Q. How is my child’s wish determined?
A. Once a child’s eligibility for a wish is confirmed, our wish-granting volunteers will schedule a time to meet with you and your child to find out what his or her wish is. Our volunteers are specially trained to help your child explore the different types of wishes and to identify his or her most heartfelt wish. This initial part of a child’s Make-A-Wish^® experience can generate hopeful expectation and give your child something to look forward to.

Q. Will my family’s privacy be respected?
A. The Make-A-Wish Foundation takes great care to guard the privacy of the children and families we serve. Your child’s medical information is considered confidential and is not discussed with outside parties unless it is required for the wish. Your consent is required before we can obtain or share any information regarding your child or your family.

Q. How do I determine if my child is eligible for a wish?
A. If your child is between the ages of two-and-a-half and under the age of 18 and has been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, he or she may be eligible for a wish.  After a child is referred the Foundation will contact the treating physician to determine whether the child is medically eligible for a wish based on the medical criteria established by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

Q. How do I make a referral?
A. You can call our office 877-599-9474 or submit an online form here.