What can a child wish for?

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 carried out safely. The Foundation staff works closely with the wish child's physician and family to determine the most appropriate time to grant the wish, keeping in mind the child's treatment protocol or other concerns.

When a wish team first visits with a child, the volunteers ask a simple question: "If you could have one wish, what would it be?"

Most wish requests fall into four major categories:

I wish to go...
Some Make-A-Wish kids want to travel to their favorite theme park, while others want to visit an exotic beach, go on a cruise, see snow for the first time or attend a major sporting event or concert.

I wish to be...
Children search the depths of their imagination when they wish to be someone for a day – a fireman, a police officer or a model.

I wish to meet...
Many want to meet their favorite athlete, recording artist, television personality, movie star, politician or public figure.

I wish to have...
Children often wish for a special gift, like a computer, a tree house, a shopping spree or something that they have coveted for a long time.

Learn more about the wish-granting process

Visit the How We Grant Wishes page.

How can I refer a child?

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

If you would like to learn more about referring a child residing outside the United States, please contact Make-A-Wish Foundation^® International. If you are not eligible to refer a child, please ask the child's family to visit our Web site or contact their local chapter or international affiliate.