FAQS ABOUT REFERRING A CHILD
Who can receive a wish?
The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Children must be referred to the Foundation and determined to be eligible for a wish between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 by their physician. The child's treating physician makes the final determination of whether a child's illness qualifies him or her for a wish. Children who have received wishes from other wish-granting organizations are not eligible for our program.
Does a child's condition have to be terminal to qualify for a wish?
Absolutely not. Although children that qualify for our program have life-threatening medical conditions, we are here to be a source of hope, strength, and joy; we would like our Wish Kids to have a wish experience at a point in their treatment when they are well enough to enjoy and benefit from the experience. Many of the children who qualify for a wish go on to lead healthy and happy lives.
Are there any restrictions on a wish?
Each Make-A-Wish chapter follows specific policies and guidelines for granting a child's wish. The physician also plays a major role in determining whether the child's condition will permit a particular wish to be coordinated safely. Foundation staff work closely with the wish child's physician to determine the most appropriate time to grant the wish, keeping in mind the child's treatment protocol or other concerns.
Does the family have to pay for the wish?
No. All wish expenses are fully covered, including all travel and spending money when appropriate. The Make-A-Wish Foundation's objective is to create a memorable wish experience for both the child and family that is not clouded by financial concerns.
Does the wish family have to meet income qualifications before a child can receive a wish?
No. Family income is not a consideration in determining whether a child is eligible to receive a wish.
What is the wish process?
Make-A-Wish does not solicit the children it grants wishes to; thus community awareness is instrumental. Referrals may be received from a child, parent, doctor, or social worker and must be approved by a medical doctor. Once contact information has been received, a staff member will call the family for more detailed information. The information is then sent to the child's physician to determine eligibility. Once a child is eligible, a team of trained volunteers called Wish Granters is assigned to a wish. An interview visit or visits take place between the child and Wish Granters to determine the nature of the wish. Once a child determines his or her wish, the physician must authorize the wish. Make-A-Wish staff coordinates the wish, and Wish Granters finish off the wish by planning a memorable celebratory party.
What if the child cannot communicate?
If a child cannot communicate his or her wish, we will work closely with the family, as well as healthcare providers, to select a developmentally-appropriate wish.
Must there be publicity on a wish?
No publicity will ever be sought without the family's permission and comfort.
Do you grant wishes to adults?
No. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is incorporated with the state to only grant wishes to children who have been referred to the organization and determined to be eligible for a wish between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 by their physician. However, there are other wish-granting organizations that grant wishes to adults. One example is The Dream Foundation.
What are your sources of funding?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation finances its work through individual contributions, corporate donations, foundation grants, planned gifts, and events we either host or sponsor. The Foundation relies on in-kind contributions to lessen the cost of goods and services. Wishes cost the children and their families nothing. Make-A-Wish bears the entire expense. Dollars raised by this chapter stay in our community to serve children with life-threatening illnesses. The Make-A-Wish Foundation does not solicit contributions over the phone or door-to-door.
Does the Make-A-Wish Foundation telemarket?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation does not, under any circumstances, engage telemarketers to raise money, despite sometimes being confused with other organizations that do. In fact, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has a nationwide policy against telephone and door-to-door solicitation. There is a number of other sound-alike organizations some also with "wish" in their names. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has no affiliation with any other wish-granting organization. If you receive a call from someone asking for a donation, ask the caller to send you more information. Please report anyone using the Make-A-Wish name by calling 800-937-9474.
For additional information regarding referrals, contact Vikki Schwartze at vschwartze@missouri.wish.org or 800-937-9474.
