Make-A-Wish® America: Refer a Child

Make-A-Wish^® is committed to the vision of granting the wish of every eligible child.

We rely on wish referrals from caring individuals to help us reach more kids with life-threatening medical conditions every year and grant them a wish that changes lives, forever. The eligibility consideration process is initiated when a wish referral inquiry is submitted to the local chapter. Learn more about who is eligible for a wish, who can refer a child and how the referral process works.

Who is Eligible?

A child with a life-threatening medical condition who has reached the age of 2½ and is younger than 18 at the time of referral is potentially eligible for a wish.

Who Can Refer a Child?

Medical professionals, parents, legal guardians and potential wish kids can initiate the referral process.

What Can A Child Wish For?

The child's imagination is always the driving force in determining, designing and coordinating the wish experience. Wish requests typically fall into one of five categories, but every wish is unique and powerful.

Referral Inquiry Form

You may use our online inquiry form, or contact your local chapter, to get more information about referring a child a child who lives in the United States or one of its territories.

Share the Referral Inquiry Form

Share our online inquiry form with someone who can refer a child who lives in the United States or one of its territories.

Referrals and eligibility

Make-A-Wish accepts referrals from:

Parents or legal guardians
Healthcare professionals
Children being treated for a life-threatening medical condition

To be eligible, children must meet these criteria at the time of referral:

Diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, i.e., a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that is placing the child's life in jeopardy
Older than 2 1/2 years and younger than 18
Has not received a wish from another wish-granting organization