How Wishes Are Granted

Refer a child by calling or leaving a message on our Wish Referral Line at (770) 916-9474 x21.

There are four steps to granting a wish:

1. Referral
2. Medical eligibility
3. Finding the true wish
4. Creating joy

Each step builds on the next to help create the amazing experiences that delight wish kids and their families.

Wish granting usually begins with a referral call to the chapter office by a physician or social worker; however, the family or even the child may make the referral. A wish referral form is then completed with relevant information about the child. After Make-A-Wish^® has been contacted, a medical authorization form is sent to the child’s primary physician. Upon medical approval, the volunteer wish team will schedule an initial visit to discover the child’s wish. Then chapter staff and volunteers work their magic to provide the powerful wish. A wish experience is frequently a source of inspiration for children undergoing difficult medical treatments and a positive force that helps them overcome personal obstacles.

Step 1: Referral
To protect the privacy of potential wish kids, we only accept referrals from medical professionals, parents and children themselves. Children who have reached the age of 2½ and are under the age of 18 at the time of referral who have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization may be eligible for a wish.

Step 2: Medical Eligibility
We determine a child’s medical eligibility with the help of the treating physician. To receive a wish, the child must be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition – i.e., a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy.

Step 3: Finding the true wish
We send one of our enthusiastic wish teams to learn the child’s one true wish. These passionate volunteers connect with wish children and help explore their imaginations for the experiences that will delight and inspire them.

Step 4: Creating joy
Our wish granters create an unforgettable experience driven by the child’s creativity. It’s an incredible experience that enriches not just the lives of the children and their families, but often an entire community.

Refer a child by calling or leaving a message on our Wish Referral Line at (770) 916-9474 x21.