No. The majority of our wish kids go on to live with or overcome their illness. The common misconception that Make-A-Wish is a “last wish” for every child we serve is false. We grant the wishes of children diagnosed with critical illnesses.  

A child who has reached the age of 2½ and is under the age of 18 at the time of referral who has a critical illness is potentially eligible for a wish. For more information about medical eligibility, please visit wish.org/refer. 

No. All wish expenses are fully covered, including all travel and spending money when appropriate.  

The average cost of a wish is $10,000. The common thread that all our wishes share? They are all possible because of support from you, our community! 

About 77 percent of wish experiences involve travel. The Walt Disney Company is involved in approximately half of the wishes Make-A-Wish grants. 

Make-A-Wish began in 1980 with one Arizona boy’s wish to be an honorary police officer. Chris received an official uniform, helped with traffic stops and rode above the city in a helicopter. After his wish, the group of individuals who made it happen wondered how they could bring the same joy to other children. With just $37.76 in their pockets, they started Make-A-Wish. 

Our vision is to grant the wish of every eligible child in Arizona. Critical illness does not discriminate against a child’s age, race, language or socio-economic status and we are expanding our efforts statewide so we can reach new communities. 

Every wish is as unique as the kids we serve. We grant a variety of wishes including gaming setups, room makeovers, sports courts, animal adoptions, musical instruments, domestic and international travel and local experiences. 

Yes! Your skills, time or talents can transform lives. We accept donations of many goods and services, but our biggest need right now is furniture, flooring, landscaping, electronics and gift cards.  

No. We are 100% philanthropy driven and rely on support from our community to make wishes possible. 

Since 1980, Make-A-Wish Arizona has granted more than 8,500 life-changing wishes. These wishes give children and their families something positive to look forward to, often sparking a turning point in their treatment journey and benefiting them for years to come. 

We are currently working with more than 500 kids to plan their wish, and our vision is to grant the wish of every eligible child. Your support can help us fill this gap and make more wishes possible.