The Wish-Granting Process

For a medically eligible child, the wish-granting process is a magical,

life-changing journey.  We work closely with medical professionals and trained Make-A-Wish Volunteers to create the highest-quality wish experiences for our children...and ensure that our wish families are well-informed throughout the process.

Before the wish-granting process can begin, a child must be referred to the Foundation for a wish.  Please click here for more information about the referral process.

Our Wish-Granting Process consists of three steps:

1.  Determining medical eligibility

Once a child is formally referred to the Foundation for a wish, we send our Medical Eligibility Form to the child's treating physician.  The physician must confirm the child's eligibility and submit the completed form to the Foundation before the Wish-Granting Process can begin.

2.  Discovering the child's true wish

Two specially trained Make-A-Wish Volunteers will visit the home of a wish child and family.  These enthusiastic and compassionate Volunteers will get to know the child, help the family complete the required paperwork, and answer any questions the family has.  Most importantly, the Volunteers will ask the child one special question:

"If you could have one wish...what would it be?"

The wishes our children choose are as diverse and creative as the children themselves.   Most wishes fall into four categories: “I wish to go…,” “I wish to meet…,” “I wish to be…,” or “I wish to have….”  Our children have wished to visit Disney World or the Caribbean, to meet a favorite hero like David Ortiz or Tom Brady, to be a dolphin trainer for a day, or to receive a bedroom makeover or tree house!

3.  Creating hope, strength, and joy!

Once a child has declared his or her wish, our Staff and Volunteers wave their magic wands to begin a flurry of activity.  Whether it is the limo ride to the airport or the souvenirs and spending money, every last detail of the wish is meticulously planned to ensure a carefree and cost-free experience for the family.  And, of course, a few magical flourishes are created along the way!

From beginning to end, the wish-granting process gives a child so much that illness has taken away:  the power of choice; anticipation and optimism; and the chance to "just be a kid" again.  When a child's wish is fulfilled, a new story of hope, strength, and joy is created!