How to Get A Wish From the Make-A-Wish Foundation

The Make-A-Wish Foundation was created in 1980 and gave its first wish to a little boy who wanted to be a police officer. The Make-A-Wish Foundation provides a terminally ill or severely disabled child with a wish. The wish gives the child a moment or extreme joy and a memory to treasure. In many instances, these wishes change the life of the child. If your child is terminally ill or has a severe disability, you can apply to have a wish granted to your child.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if you are eligible. There is no sense in applying if you don't meet the criteria for a wish. Your child must be between the ages of 2 1/2 and 17. At age 18, the child is no longer eligible. The child must also have a life-threatening medical condition. Make-A-Wish will also consider any child with a severe disease or condition that will last the child's entire life. Your child must also never have received a wish from any other organization. Finally, your doctor will have to give permission that your child is capable of getting a wish and performing it.

• 2

  Fill out a referral inquiry form. This form is found on the website by clicking on "Refer a child". The inquiry form will ask for all of your contact information, and there is a box for comments. Fill out the comment box with a little bit of information about your child. Your form will then be given to the proper chapter, the organization that is closest to your home.

• 3

  Wait for the local chapter to contact you. They will give you a call and ask you some questions about your child and let you know what forms you will need to have ready when they make an appointment to come to your home and meet your child. While they are at your house, your child will need to give them her top 2 wishes. This is necessary in case the top wish can not be performed, such as a celebrity meeting when the celebrity declines. Other wishes, such as having your house rebuilt, will not be considered. When a local chapter representative comes to your house, she will bring goodies for your child.

• 4

  Expect a coordinator to take over your case and make all the arrangements once all the forms are in place and the doctor has given permission. Once the arrangements are made, you will get a phone call and all of the details hand-delivered by the local chapter representative. You will be asked if there is anything else you need, such as a camera or luggage. They will make sure you have everything you need for your wish to be carried out. You will then be able to go on your wish.

• 5

  Take lots of pictures and make sure you send the Foundation a thank-you letter. You can also give them your story to use on their website or in their brochures.