How To Get A Make A Wish

Making a Wish Come True: A Comprehensive Guide to Make-A-Wish

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a globally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children diagnosed with critical illnesses. These wishes serve as powerful catalysts for hope, strength, and joy, offering these children and their families a respite from the challenges of their medical journeys. Understanding how to navigate the Make-A-Wish process can be vital for families seeking to provide their child with an unforgettable and uplifting experience. This guide offers a detailed explanation of the eligibility criteria, the referral process, the wish-granting process, and other essential information to help families understand how to make a wish a reality.

Eligibility Criteria for Make-A-Wish

Before embarking on the journey of applying for a wish, it is crucial to understand the eligibility requirements set forth by Make-A-Wish. These criteria ensure that the foundation's resources are directed towards children who can truly benefit from the experience. The key eligibility factors include:

Age: A child must be between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 at the time of referral. This age range ensures that the child is old enough to understand and enjoy the wish experience.
Medical Condition: The child must be diagnosed with a critical illness. This generally refers to a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition that has the potential to be life-threatening. The specific medical criteria are determined by Make-A-Wish in accordance with the recommendations of the treating physician.
Residency: The child must be a resident of the area served by the local Make-A-Wish chapter. Make-A-Wish operates through a network of chapters, each responsible for specific geographic regions.
No Previous Wish: A child can only receive one wish from Make-A-Wish. This policy allows the foundation to extend its resources to as many eligible children as possible.

It is important to note that the interpretation of "critical illness" can vary. Make-A-Wish relies on medical professionals to determine whether a child's condition meets the criteria. If there is uncertainty about eligibility, contacting the local Make-A-Wish chapter is the best course of action.

The Referral Process: Initiating the Wish Journey

The referral process is the first step in making a wish come true. A referral is essentially a formal recommendation that a child be considered for a wish. Referrals can come from various sources, including:

Medical Professionals: Doctors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare providers who are directly involved in the child's care are primary sources of referrals. They are in the best position to assess the child's medical condition and determine if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Parents or Legal Guardians: Parents or legal guardians can refer their child to Make-A-Wish. This is a common route for families who are aware of the foundation and believe their child would benefit from a wish.
The Child: In some cases, the child themselves can initiate the referral process, especially if they are older and understand the concept of Make-A-Wish.
Other Individuals: Family members, friends, or anyone else who knows the child and their medical condition can also make a referral, with the consent of the child's parents or legal guardians.

When making a referral, it is necessary to provide detailed information about the child's medical condition, including the diagnosis, treatment plan, and the name and contact information of the treating physician. This information is essential for Make-A-Wish to verify the child's eligibility.

The referral process typically involves completing a referral form, which can usually be found on the Make-A-Wish chapter's website or obtained directly from the chapter. The form will ask for personal information about the child, their medical condition, and contact information for the family and medical professionals.

Verification and Approval: Ensuring Eligibility

Once a referral is received, Make-A-Wish begins the process of verifying the child's eligibility. This involves several steps:

Contacting the Treating Physician: Make-A-Wish will contact the child's treating physician to obtain a medical assessment. The physician will provide information about the child's diagnosis, prognosis, and overall medical condition. This assessment is crucial in determining whether the child meets the "critical illness" criterion.
Reviewing Medical Records: Make-A-Wish may request access to the child's medical records to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their health status.
Meeting with the Family: Make-A-Wish representatives will typically meet with the child and their family to learn more about their situation and to explain the wish-granting process in detail. This meeting provides an opportunity for the family to ask questions and to understand what to expect.
Final Determination: After gathering all necessary information, Make-A-Wish will make a final determination regarding the child's eligibility. If the child is deemed eligible, the wish-granting process can begin.

It is important to understand that the verification process can take time. Make-A-Wish is committed to ensuring that all eligible children have the opportunity to receive a wish, but they must also adhere to their established procedures to maintain the integrity of the program.

The Wish-Granting Process: From Dream to Reality

Once a child is approved for a wish, the real magic begins. The wish-granting process is a collaborative effort between the child, their family, and Make-A-Wish volunteers and staff. The process typically involves the following steps:

Wish Discovery: The first step is to discover the child's heartfelt wish. This involves spending time with the child to understand their passions, interests, and dreams. Make-A-Wish volunteers often play a key role in this process, engaging the child in conversations and activities to help them identify their one true wish.
Wish Options: Make-A-Wish recognizes four main categories of wishes:
- I Wish To Go: These wishes involve travel and adventure, such as a trip to Disney World, a visit to a national park, or a cruise.
- I Wish To Be: These wishes allow the child to experience a dream profession or activity, such as being a firefighter for a day, a chef, or a race car driver.
- I Wish To Meet: These wishes involve meeting a celebrity, athlete, or other inspiring figure.
- I Wish To Have: These wishes involve receiving a special gift, such as a computer, a shopping spree, or a playset.
Wish Planning: Once the child has chosen their wish, Make-A-Wish begins the process of planning and coordinating the wish experience. This involves making travel arrangements, securing tickets, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring that all details are taken care of.
Wish Fulfillment: The culmination of the process is the fulfillment of the wish. This is the moment when the child's dream becomes a reality. Make-A-Wish strives to make the wish experience as magical and memorable as possible, creating lasting memories for the child and their family.
Post-Wish Support: After the wish has been granted, Make-A-Wish continues to provide support to the child and their family. This may involve follow-up visits, opportunities to share their story, and connections to other Make-A-Wish families.

Understanding Wish Categories and Limitations

While Make-A-Wish is committed to granting heartfelt wishes, there are some limitations and guidelines that apply to the types of wishes that can be granted. These limitations are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the child and to manage the organization's resources effectively. Some common limitations include:

Wishes That Endanger the Child or Others: Make-A-Wish will not grant wishes that could potentially put the child or others at risk. This includes wishes involving dangerous activities, weapons, or illegal substances.
Wishes That Benefit Others: The wish must be for the sole benefit of the child. Make-A-Wish will not grant wishes that primarily benefit other individuals or organizations.
Wishes That Are Primarily Medical in Nature: While Make-A-Wish recognizes the importance of medical care, they do not grant wishes that are primarily focused on medical treatments or procedures.
Wishes That Are Beyond the Organization's Resources: Make-A-Wish has a responsibility to manage its resources effectively. Therefore, they may not be able to grant wishes that are excessively expensive or logistically challenging.
Travel Restrictions: There may be restrictions on travel to certain destinations due to safety concerns or logistical challenges. Make-A-Wish will work with families to find alternative options if necessary.

It is important to discuss any potential limitations with Make-A-Wish representatives during the wish-planning process. They can provide guidance and help the child explore alternative wish options that are both meaningful and feasible.

The Emotional Impact of a Wish: More Than Just a Dream

The impact of a Make-A-Wish experience extends far beyond the fulfillment of a dream. Research has shown that wishes can have a profound and positive impact on the emotional and psychological well-being of children with critical illnesses and their families. Some of the key benefits of a wish include:

Increased Hope and Optimism: A wish can provide a child with something to look forward to, helping them maintain a positive outlook during a challenging time.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The wish experience can provide a respite from the stress and anxiety associated with medical treatments and hospital stays.
Improved Sense of Control: A wish can empower a child by giving them a sense of control over their own life and experiences.
Strengthened Family Bonds: The wish experience can create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds between family members.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Overall, a wish can improve the child's quality of life by providing them with joy, happiness, and a sense of normalcy.

These emotional benefits can have a significant impact on the child's overall health and well-being, potentially improving their response to medical treatment and their long-term prognosis.

How to Support Make-A-Wish: Making Dreams Possible

Make-A-Wish relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund its wish-granting activities. There are many ways to support Make-A-Wish and help make dreams possible for children with critical illnesses:

Donations: Direct financial contributions are the most common way to support Make-A-Wish. Donations can be made online, by mail, or through fundraising events.
Volunteerism: Make-A-Wish relies on volunteers to assist with various aspects of the wish-granting process, from wish discovery to event planning.
Fundraising: Individuals and organizations can organize fundraising events to benefit Make-A-Wish, such as walks, runs, auctions, and galas.
Corporate Partnerships: Businesses can partner with Make-A-Wish to support the organization through sponsorships, employee giving programs, and cause-related marketing campaigns.
In-Kind Donations: Make-A-Wish also accepts in-kind donations of goods and services, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, and event tickets.
Advocacy: Spreading awareness about Make-A-Wish and its mission can help the organization reach more children and families in need.

By supporting Make-A-Wish, you can play a vital role in bringing hope, strength, and joy to children with critical illnesses and their families.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of a Wish

The Make-A-Wish Foundation stands as a beacon of hope for children facing critical illnesses, offering them and their families a chance to experience joy, create lasting memories, and find renewed strength. By understanding the eligibility criteria, referral process, and wish-granting procedures, families can navigate the journey with greater ease and confidence. The impact of a wish extends far beyond the fulfillment of a dream, providing emotional and psychological benefits that can significantly improve a child's quality of life. Supporting Make-A-Wish through donations, volunteerism, or advocacy ensures that the foundation can continue to grant heartfelt wishes and bring hope to children and families in need. In essence, a wish is more than just a dream come true; it is a testament to the enduring power of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. Make-A-Wish continues to transform lives, one wish at a time, proving that even in the face of adversity, dreams can take flight.