How We Grant Wishes

We rely on medical professionals, parents and children themselves for referrals. Children who have reached the age of 2½ and are under the age of 18 at the time of referral – and have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization – may be eligible for a wish.

We determine a child’s medical eligibility with the help of the treating physician. To receive a wish, the child must be diagnosed with a critical illness (i.e., a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy).

We send one of our enthusiastic wish teams to learn the child’s one true wish. These committed volunteers connect with wish children, awaken their imaginations and help them envision an experience with the power to change lives.

Our wish granters create an unforgettable experience driven by the child’s creativity. They strive to personalize each wish and to make it match the wish kid's idea of a perfect day.

To learn more about referring a child who lives in the United States or one of its territories, you may use our Referral Inquiry Form.

To learn more about referring a child residing outside the United States, please contact Make-A-Wish^® International. If you are not eligible to refer a child, please ask the child's family to visit our website or international affiliate.