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Who can receive a wish?
Children who are at least 3 years of age, but have not yet reached their 18th birthday, may be referred to Make-A-Wish International. A child's treating physician will determine if the child is medically eligible for a wish, based on the medical criteria established by the Foundation.
Do you grant wishes to adults?
No, Make-A-Wish International only grants wishes to children who are at least 3 years of age, but have not yet reached their 18th birthday at the time of referral.
Does a child’s illness have to be terminal in order to qualify for a wish?
No, a child does not have to be terminally ill. In fact, many of our wish children grow into adulthood and lead healthy, happy lives.
Can a child receive more than one wish?
No, Make-A-Wish International grants one wish to each eligible child.
Are there any restrictions to a wish?
Each Make-A-Wish affiliate follows specific policies and guidelines for granting a child’s wish. Some wishes have restrictions based on various factors, including the child’s medical condition in relation to the wish request. The Make-A-Wish Foundation takes into consideration all factors as they relate to the wish and the wish child, and then plans the wish accordingly.
Does the family have to pay for the wish?
No, all wish expenses are fully covered by the Foundation. Wishes are arranged and paid for by the Foundation with no out-of-pocket expenses for the wish family.
Does the family have to meet financial criteria in order to be eligible for their child to receive a wish?
No, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children who qualify for our services without regard to race, creed, religion, sex, economic status, or national origin.
Is there a waiting list to receive a wish?
No, however, in some situations a wish child may have to wait for their wish due to external circumstances such as the child’s treatment schedule or the availability of a popular celebrity. If the fulfillment of a wish must be delayed for any reason, the wish child and family are fully informed, and the wish child is given the option to either make another wish request or wait.
How long does it take to grant a wish from referral to fulfillment?
In most cases wishes are fulfilled within a few weeks. However, it is not easy to specify how long it takes from wish referral to wish fulfillment as it often depends upon the wish requested. In some circumstances, wishes can be fulfilled in a matter of hours or days, while in other cases, it can take months.
How much does a wish cost to grant?
Wish costs vary greatly depending on the wish requested. Some wishes are very simple, and the wish goods or services may be donated, costing the Foundation nothing. Other wishes can be very elaborate and cost thousands of dollars. Whenever possible, the Foundation seeks in-kind donations to help defer wish expenses.
What are the most requested wishes?
Typically, wishes fall into one of four general categories.
I wish to go…
Wish children sometimes like to travel to someplace they know and love or have dreamed about, but have never seen. Many choose to go to a theme park, while others might want to go to someplace tropical and enjoy a sandy beach. Still others want to go to a major sporting event or concert.
I wish to be…
Many children dream of what they will be when they grow up and wish to experience that dream now. Some children want to be like one of their heroes, such as a fireman or police officer. While other children wish to know what it feels like to be a famous athlete, rock star, or even a model.
I wish to meet…
Sometimes children wish to meet someone famous or someone they admire, and spend time with them asking questions, taking pictures, and getting autographs.
I wish to have…
Often a child’s wish come true is to own something special, like their very own computer, stereo system, or special toy. As with all wishes, the Make-A-Wish Foundation asks for very specific details from the wish child to ensure their wish come true is as magical and exciting as it can be.
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What are your sources of funding?
Make-A-Wish International and its affiliates received financial support from a number of sources. Contributions come from individuals, corporations, and private and foundation grants. The Foundation relies on in-kind contributions as well which help to lessen the cost of goods and services.
How much of my donation funds wishes?
Make-A-Wish International is proud of the manner in which it manages the generous donations of its supporters. In 2004, more than 90% of the funds raised by the Foundation are used to fulfill our mission. Visit our Financial Information section to see more of our exceptional donor stewardship.
Is there an affiliate near me?
To find the affiliate closest to you, visit the Country section of our web site.
What if there is not an affiliate in my country -- can my child still request a wish?
It is possible to grant wishes to children who reside in countries where the Foundation does not yet have an affiliate; however, depending upon the wish requested and the volunteer resources in the child’s country, it is sometimes not possible to fulfill these wishes.
To refer a child to the Foundation please use our online referral form.
How do you decide which children receive wishes?
Make-A-Wish Foundation does not decide which children receive wishes. Every child referred to the Foundation who is deemed eligible for a wish receives their wish.
