Eligibility Criteria & Referring FAQ

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Wish Kid Matthew and Doctor
Eligibility Criteria 

Most common conditions that do NOT qualify (DNQ)

Automatic DNQ'S

These illnesses are NOT eligible for a wish:

  • Autism
  • ADHD/ADD
  • Other Mental Health Conditions
  • Type 1 Diabetes

Other DNQ's*

*These conditions do NOT qualify on their own unless paired with other conditions/complications currently placing the child's life in jeopardy:

  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
  • Graves' Disease
  • Fragile X Syndrome
  • Noonan Syndrome
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome 
  • Turner Syndrome 
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
  • Hypogammaglobulinemia 
  • Absence Seizures
  • Anoxic Brain Damage
  • Scoliosis
  • Spina Bifida
  • Hemangioma/Lymphangioma

In order for your child to qualify their condition must be progressive, degenerative, or malignant, placing their life in jeopardy. 

Every Wish Experience Begins with a Referral

Who is eligible?

Children must meet these criteria at the time of referral:

• Diagnosed with a critical illness, i.e., a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that is placing the child's life in jeopardy

• Older than 2½ years and younger than 18

• Has not received a wish from another wish-granting organization

Who can refer a child?

Out of respect for the privacy of the children and families we serve, children who may be eligible to receive a wish can be referred by one of four sources:

  • Medical professionals treating the child – such as doctors, nurses, social workers or child-life specialists
  • A parent or legal guardian of the potential wish child
  • Family members with detailed knowledge of the child's current medical condition
  • The potential wish child

If you are not eligible to refer a child, please ask the child’s family to visit our website, or feel free to share the wish referral inquiry form with them.

What's the process?

Do you know a child battling a critical illness who could benefit from a life-changing wish? There are two ways to refer a child: you can submit an online referral or share the referral inquiry form with the family. Please note: if you are not an approved referral source, the form you complete is not an official referral – it is a request to receive additional information. 

Outside of the U.S.? Learn more about referring a child residing outside the U.S. here.  

What can a child wish for?

The child's imagination is always the driving force in determining, designing and coordinating a life-changing wish experience. Whether it’s a wish to be a superhero, a wish for a treehouse or a trip to scuba dive a coral reef, each wish is only limited by the child’s imagination.

Make-A-Wish has the unique ability to transform a child and family’s life during some of their most difficult trials. A wish helps a child look past his or her limitations, it helps a family overcome anxiety and brings entire communities together in an experience of hope and joy. That is why wishes matter. That is why we grant wishes.

Start the Referral Process

To initiate the referral inquiry process for a child who lives in the U.S. or one of its territories, use our online wish referral inquiry form.

If you would like to learn more about referring a child residing outside the U.S., please contact Make-A-Wish International.