Parents' Guide

Parents' Guide for a Child's Wish

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. We are not a “last wish” organization, in fact we view a wish as a joyous, magical experience that provides a child with hope when they need it most.  Often, the wish experience gives a child the strength to persevere in the face of illness. Many doctors have said that a wish is powerful medicine.

When is the best time for a wish?

The timeline for a wish varies for each family. Some prefer to have the wish referred early in the treatment process so that their child will have something positive to focus on during the difficult aspects of surgeries or treatment.  Others prefer to wait until the child is feeling better and can more fully enjoy the wish experience.  The wish can be an incentive to "get through" the rough portions in the battle towards wellness, something that sustains the child while it lifts their spirits.  The child's hospital social worker often will determine when to approach the wish family about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but the family can also refer their child directly at any point.

Does a wish mean that my child is terminal or dying?

No.  Just as the Make-A-Wish Foundation has grown and developed over the past 25 years, so have medical programs and treatments made amazing strides.  The prognoses for many illnesses have improved substantially and more children are surviving into adulthood after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, aplastic anemia, cystic fibrosis, HIV and many other medical conditions.  We say that a wish provides a child with strength, hope, and joy.

Does our family's financial status matter? Is it inappropriate to accept a wish if my family does not have a financial need?

The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation mandates that we fulfill the wish of every child with a life-threatening medical condition who qualifies for a wish in our chapter's territory.  Each child who receives a wish has been through a difficult experience that no child should have to endure and we take pride in brightening each child's life, regardless of their race, creed, religion or socio-economic status.  Children from financially advantages backgrounds often ask for wishes that cannot be valued, but regardless, every child's wish experience is "priceless".

How is the family involved in a child's wish?

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is unique in that a child's immediate family takes part in the wish. They have all shared in the grief of the illness and should share in the joy and memories of the wish experience.

However, since the spontaneous, joyful impulse of the child is the ideal upon which the Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded, we request that familiy members allow the child to make the wish decision without help, prodding, or input from anyone else. 

Does the family's financial status matter?

No. Economic background does not affect whether a child is eligible for a wish. What qualifies your child for a wish is only a doctor's certification that the child has a life-threatening medical condition.

How long does it take to grant a wish?

While we attempt to fulfill each wish within a reasonable timeframe, each wish schedule depends on several factors. The type of wish often determines the length of time a wish takes. Wishes involving travel are usually scheduled when it is convenient for the family, where a wish for some types of tangible items can be fulfilled much more quickly. Celebrity wishes and wishes involving special events, such as the Pro Bowl, are beyond the Foundation's control in terms of scheduling. The volunteer and the family also must coordinate schedules to plan a wish party or experience at a time that is best for everyone.

What if our family does not want publicity?

Our number one goal is for the wish child and their family to enjoy the wish experience.  During the initial visit the volunteer team will determine if the family is comfortable with publicity and their feelings will be respected at all times. They can also change their mind at any time, for any reason.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact our wish granting department at 310-788-9474 or send them a note.