For Parents
What is the Make-A-Wish Foundation?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. The Foundation provides a family with
hope,
strength and
joy to help alleviate the stresses of a serious illness by fulfilling a child's one personal, heartfelt wish. The Foundation gives the child a magical, once-in-a-lifetime gift or experience - an interlude of respite and joy in the midst of hospitalizations and treatment schedules, and the fear and disappointment of a life-threatening medical condition.
What is a "wish"?
A wish is a child's personal, heartfelt answer to the question: "If you could have anything, go anywhere, do or be anything, what would you wish for?" The Foundation aims for the wish to be age-appropriate and not interfere with the child's treatment and recovery. As possible, the goal is to provide the child with his/her own wish, expressed in the child's own words.
What do kids wish for?
Wishes are as varied as a child's imagination. Our most popular wish is to visit a Disney theme park, while other wishes include meeting Chef Emeril Lagasse, visiting Hawaii, and being a ballerina for a day.
Does my child need to have a terminal condition to receive a wish?
Absolutely not. Many children with life-threatening medical conditions who qualify for a wish go on to lead healthy and happy lives.
How is my child's wish determined?
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 determine his/her wish. 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 provides great anticipation and excitement for all involved!
Who can participate in my child's wish?
The child's immediate family members (mother, father, and siblings under the age of 18) are eligible to be included in the wish. The wish offers an opportunity for everyone in the household to take a much-needed break from their routine of doctors, hospitals, and treatments.
When should I refer my child for a wish?
The timing of each wish is based on the medical and emotional needs of the child and family. Referrals can be made anytime after your child's diagnosis is confirmed. We will work closely with your family and your child's medical team to determine the best time for granting your child's wish.
Is there a waiting list?
Once a child qualifies for a wish, timeline for wish delivery is based on many factors including the child's condition and treatment protocol. Although there are many children waiting to have their wishes completed, there is not a waiting list.
Who pays for my child's wish?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation covers the entire cost of your child's wish. There is no cost to the family.
If our family can afford to pay for our child's wish, will accepting a wish be unfair to less fortunate families?
All medically qualified children are eligible for a wish, regardless of the family's income. Even if a family can afford to fund the wish themselves, we seek to bring elements of surprise, magic and fun to each wish experience. We have never turned down a wish request because of lack of funds, and take pride in fulfilling a wish for every eligible child, regardless of economic background.
My question is not listed here...who can I ask?
Please contact the Foundation at referral@northwestwishes.org or call 800-304-WISH and you will be directed to the appropriate staff person who can answer your question.
Sensitivity Concerns
Referring a child can be a difficult step for some parents to take. It is important to understand two things:
- Qualification for a wish is not an indicator of the child's prognosis, but of his/her current struggle with a life-threatening medical condition. We grant life-affirming wishes, not "last wishes." For many children, a wish becomes a turning point, renewing their courage and determination to fight for a future.
- Qualification for a wish is not based on a family's financial situation. We understand that even financially comfortable families have neither the time nor the emotional energy to plan their child's wish or dream vacation while meeting the demands of medical treatment schedules and other day-to-day challenges of their child's illness. And sometimes a wish is for something that money cannot buy, such as meeting a celebrity or hero. We believe that every child, regardless of financial status, deserves to have his/her heartfelt wish delivered by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
