The mission of Make-A-Wish is a simple one: Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We’ve pursued this mission wholeheartedly over the last 30 years and we have seen firsthand the difference that a wish can make in a child’s life.
To these children, wishes are more than a new playset, shopping spree, or once-in-a-lifetime trip. Studies have shown that wishes have a noticeable impact on the entire family’s mental health and can even lead to better health outcomes.
It is a joy to serve and support these remarkable children, but before we can do so, we first have to identify those individuals who meet our eligibility criteria.
Who Is Eligible For a Wish?
At Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida™, our vision is to grant the wish of every eligible child. Here is the criteria we use to determine wish eligibility.
Age of the Child
The first eligibility requirement is age. Children must be between the ages of 2½ and 17 at the time of referral to receive a wish.
However, due to the time it takes to grant a wish, some of our wish kids may be over the age of 18 when their wishes are fulfilled.
Medical Condition
At the time of referral, children must be diagnosed with a critical illness. Make-A-Wish defines a critical illness as “a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy.”
Previous Wish Experience
The final requirement is that wish kids have not had a wish granted by any other wish-granting organization.
This policy allows Make-A-Wish to focus on children who have not yet received a wish, thereby extending our mission to as many individuals as possible.
Does Make-A-Wish Have Any Financial Requirements?
No, a family’s financial situation is never used to determine eligibility.
Which Illnesses are Considered Critical?
Wish kids come to Make-A-Wish with a wide range of critical illnesses and at very different stages in their medical journey.
Because these conditions present differently from person to person, eligibility is determined based on more than just a diagnosis.
Instead, Make-A-Wish looks at each case individually and relies on the input and expertise of a network of pediatric specialists to determine eligibility, including the child’s own physician as well as the pediatricians and health professionals who serve on our board.
Referring 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?
When Make-A-Wish receives a referral, we discuss the child’s condition in detail with their physicians to determine eligibility as well as get an idea of the factors that may affect their wish.
This information is passed on to our Wish Discovery Volunteers, who work with the child (and their guardians) to select three potential wishes.
Throughout the wish-granting process, the health and safety of the child is paramount and volunteers are trained to inquire after the child’s accessibility needs. No detail is left unexamined, from dietary restrictions to navigating with a wheelchair or oxygen tank.
Choosing from a child’s three potential wishes is a decision that Make-A-Wish takes very seriously. Not only do we strive to make the wish as memorable and enjoyable as possible, we also discuss the details in depth with the child’s medical team to learn how we can best support their health.
Join Our Mission!
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.
