Parents’ Guide
As a parent or guardian, you might have some questions about the Make-A-Wish Foundation. When you refer your child for a wish, you give an experience that lasts an entire life. You give hope, inspiration and the power to keep fighting a very grown-up battle. Your child cannot be referred to the Foundation without your permission.Does a child have to be terminal or dying?
No. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. We are not a “last wish” organization, in fact we view a wish as a joyous, magical experience for a child to bring back hope when they need it the most and give them the strength to persevere to fight back against their illness.
Does our financial situation affect whether our child will get a wish?
No, financial circumstances play no role in qualification. Only your child's medical condition is a factor.
Can I refer my child?
Yes you may. Also your child, his/her legal guardian, physician, nurse, social worker or child-life specialist can refer him/her to the Foundation.
Does my child then go on a waiting list?
No, we fulfill wishes on your timetable, not ours. We want the wish experience to be as carefree as possible. You will be visited by trained Make-A-Wish volunteers who will help plan every detail of the wish. We just want you to simply enjoy the experience.
How will this help my child?
Many doctors have told us that a wish is powerful medicine. The doctors provide the medicine and we provide the “magic.” Read on to learn what other parents have said about their child's Make-A-Wish experience in the Testimonials Section.
More than 1,400 volunteers and 41 staff members work to grant the wishes of Illinois children
