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  • Wishes give the kids hope and make them smile, and to me, that can be more healing than any medicine.
    Khalif E., Volunteer

Refer a Child

Who is eligible for a wish?

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants one special wish to children at least 2 ½ years of age and under the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. A life-threatening medical condition is a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that has at the time of the referral, placed the child's life in jeopardy. Qualifying medical conditions include but are not limited to: cancer, end stage renal disease, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, organ failure and Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. More about Qualifying Medical Conditions.

Once a child is referred to us, his/her physician will determine if the child is medically eligible for a wish.

Who can refer a child for a wish?

To respect the privacy of children and their families, a child may only be referred by one of the following sources:

  • A medical professional - doctor, nurse, social worker or child-life specialist
  • The child's parent or legal guardian
  • The child himself or herself

If a friend, teacher, religious leader or other aquaintance of the family contacted us about referring a child for a wish, we would encourage them to have the family call us directly and let them know that we would be happy to speak to them.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® does not base a child's eligibility on the family's income. We have never turned away a child who is medically eligible for our program. Every child who qualifies will have their wish fulfilled. We do not "select" children or have a waiting list. Your child's participation will not prevent another child from receiving a wish.

To refer a child to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, please complete the National Referral form or call the Greater Los Angeles chapter at (310) 788-9474.

Referrals from Medical Professionals

Make-A-Wish depends on medical professionals to refer patients who can benefit from the magic of a wish.  Before making a referral, we encourage you to inform the child's parents/guardians that you intend to refer their child.  If you are a medical professional interested in referring a patient please contact Make-A-Wish at 310-788-9474 to begin the referral process or submit your referral online at  National Referral form.

Downloadable Resources
download List of Qualifying Medical Conditions