The mission of Make-A-Wish® is simple but powerful: together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Over the past 30 years, we’ve seen firsthand how a single wish can provide joy, hope, and even strength during the hardest times.
Naturally, families often wonder “Who qualifies for Make-A-Wish?”, “What illnesses are eligible?”, “Is Make-A-Wish only for kids?”, or “Are there any financial requirements?”
This guide answers those questions and explains everything you need to know about Make-A-Wish requirements, qualifications, and the wish process.
To qualify for a wish, a child must:
- Be between 2½ and 17 years old at the time of referral
- Be diagnosed with a critical illness that places their life in jeopardy
- Not have received a wish from another wish-granting organization
Now let’s take a closer look at each of these requirements and what they mean for families.
Who Is Eligible For Make-A-Wish?
Our requirements ensure that Make-A-Wish reaches those who need it most while keeping the process fair and consistent for every family.
1. Age Requirements
Children must be between 2½ and 17 years old at the time of referral.
Even though the referral must happen before the age of 18, some wish kids may actually receive their wish after their 18th birthday due to the planning process.
2. Medical Conditions That Qualify
Children may be medically eligible for Make-A-Wish if they are living with a critical illness—defined as a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition that places their life in jeopardy.
Make-A-Wish defines a critical illness as “a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy.”
3. Previous Wish Experience
No. To ensure every child has the opportunity to experience a wish, Make-A-Wish grants only one wish per child.
Children who have already received a wish from another wish-granting organization are not eligible for another wish through Make-A-Wish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eligibility
Does family income affect eligibility?
No. A family’s financial situation is never considered when determining eligibility. Every child who meets the medical and age requirements can receive a wish, regardless of income or insurance status.
What illnesses qualify for Make-A-Wish?
Eligibility isn’t tied to a single diagnosis. Each case is reviewed individually by the child’s physician and Make-A-Wish medical experts. Some examples of conditions that may qualify include:
- Congenital heart disease and other serious cardiac conditions
- Neurological disorders such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy
- Genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease
- Organ failure or conditions requiring transplant
- Certain rare diseases and complex chronic illnesses
- Cancer
Can siblings participate in a wish experience?
Yes. In most cases, wishes are designed to include the immediate family—parents and siblings are often able to share in the experience, whether it’s a trip, a special event, or a celebration at home. Including the family helps make the wish even more meaningful and memorable.
How To Refer a Child To Make-A-Wish
The easiest way for Make-A-Wish to determine a child’s eligibility is by receiving detailed information about the child’s health from a trusted source.
Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida currently accepts referrals from:
- Critically ill children,
- Their parents or legal guardians,
- Family members with detailed knowledge of the child’s condition, or
- The child’s medical team (i.e. doctor, nurse, social worker, or child life specialist).
However, even if none of these apply to you, we encourage friends and extended family to reach out and share information about Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida.
What Is the Wish Process Like?
Every child’s wish journey is unique, but the process follows a clear path designed to keep things simple, safe, and magical for families. Here’s what to expect:
- Referral Received – After a child is referred to Make-A-Wish, our team collects important health details to understand the child’s needs.
- Medical Review – A child’s physician confirms eligibility and provides insight into their condition, ensuring the wish will be both safe and appropriate for their health situation.
- Wish Discovery – Specially trained volunteers meet with the child and family to explore the child’s “one true wish.” Kids often brainstorm three different ideas, which could be anything from meeting a hero to going on a dream vacation to having a special playset built at home.
- Planning the Wish – Once the wish is chosen, Make-A-Wish staff and volunteers handle every detail. Accessibility, dietary needs, travel arrangements, and even sibling involvement are all considered so the family can focus on joy, not logistics.
- Wish Granted – Finally, the big day arrives! The child’s dream becomes reality, creating cherished memories for the entire family. Wishes are designed not just as one-time events but as lasting sources of hope and strength.
Throughout every step, the child’s health and safety come first. Families often share that the process itself—from the first conversation about a wish to the anticipation of the big day—brings as much joy and hope as the wish itself.
Join Our Mission!
To these children, wishes are more than a new playset, shopping spree, or once-in-a-lifetime trip. For a child living with a critical illness, simply knowing that a wish is coming can provide immeasurable hope and joy in challenging times. By connecting with these individuals, Make-A-Wish is able to maximize its reach and bring life-changing experiences to as many children as possible.
As we continue to support and celebrate the work of Make-A-Wish, we are reminded of the power of compassion, the strength of community, and the enduring spirit of hope that unites us all in the face of adversity.
If you would like to refer a child to Make-A-Wish or help us grant wishes to children in your community, please contact our local offices today to get started.
