- Who is eligible?
- Who can refer a child?
- What's the process?
- What can a child wish for?
- Contact your local chapter
At Make-A-Wish®, the health and safety of our wish children and their families is our highest priority. We rely on the expertise of the pediatricians and pediatric specialists who are part of our National Medical Advisory Council and more than 200 chapter-specific medical advisors that help guide us with eligibility and wish safety precautions.
If you have a child that you are considering referring for a wish, please do not wait. Just knowing that a wish is coming is very powerful.
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
Make-A-Wish accepts referrals from:
- Medical Professionals such as providers (doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant), nurses, social workers or child-life specialists
- Parents or legal guardians
- Family members with detailed knowledge of the child's current medical condition
At Make-A-Wish®, the health and safety of our wish children and their families is our highest priority. We rely on the expertise of the pediatricians and pediatric specialists who are part of our National Medical Advisory Council and more than 200 chapter-specific medical advisors that help guide us with eligibility and wish safety precautions.
If you have a child that you are considering referring for a wish, please do not wait. Just knowing that a wish is coming is very powerful.
Who can refer a child?
Every day, we rely on wish referrals from caring individuals to help us reach more kids with critical illnesses and grant their life-changing wishes. Learn more about the requirements for referring a child.
Please note: if you are not an approved referral source (see below), the form you complete is not an official referral – it is a request to receive additional information. Make-A-Wish will only call the families of approved referral sources. If you are not eligible to refer a child, please share the referral inquiry form with the family or ask them to visit our website.
To respect the privacy of families we serve, children who may be eligible to receive a wish can be referred by:
- Medical Professionals such as providers (doctors, nurse practitioners or physician assistants), nurses, social workers or child-life specialists
- Parents or legal guardians
- Family members with detailed knowledge of the child's current medical condition
At Make-A-Wish®, the health and safety of our wish children and their families is our highest priority. We rely on the expertise of the pediatricians and pediatric specialists who are part of our National Medical Advisory Council and more than 200 chapter-specific medical advisors that help guide us with eligibility and wish safety precautions.
If you have a child that you are considering referring for a wish, please do not wait. Just knowing that a wish is coming is very powerful.
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.
At Make-A-Wish®, the health and safety of our wish children and their families is our highest priority. We rely on the expertise of the pediatricians and pediatric specialists who are part of our National Medical Advisory Council and more than 200 chapter-specific medical advisors that help guide us with eligibility and wish safety precautions.
If you have a child that you are considering referring for a wish, please do not wait. Just knowing that a wish is coming is very powerful.
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.
How Wishes are Transforming Lives
Dominic hosts a Night of Gratitude and finds his voice
For Dominic, 14, an Oscar-inspired awards ceremony thanking his biggest supporters was the celebration he dreamed of.
Amelia takes care of the world
How an 8-year-old girl inspired thousands to take care of the world.
Tyren the firefighter inspires a community
Brave 3-year-old Tyren dreamed of being a firefighter. Making his wish come true, inspired a community.
Shore finds hope in the snow
Trading Hawaii and her medical treatments for a day in the snow, the 9-year-old discovers renewed resilience.
Kyer’s wish takes flight
How an 8-year-old’s dreams of changing the world led him to flying a Cessna.
Camille strikes a pose and sparks generosity
What teenager doesn’t want to be a model for a day? Camille takes on her dream and inspires fashionistas.
At Make-A-Wish®, the health and safety of our wish children and their families is our highest priority. We rely on the expertise of the pediatricians and pediatric specialists who are part of our National Medical Advisory Council and more than 200 chapter-specific medical advisors that help guide us with eligibility and wish safety precautions.
If you have a child that you are considering referring for a wish, please do not wait. Just knowing that a wish is coming is very powerful.