| Parents Guide |
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Parents’ Guide for a Child’s Wish The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. We are not a “last wish” organization, in fact we view a wish as a joyous, magical experience that provides a child with hope when they need it most. Often, the wish experience gives a child the strength to persevere in the face of illness. Many doctors have said that a wish is powerful medicine. And, thanks to modern medicine, many of our kids get well and go on to live healthy, productive lives. When is the best time for a wish? The timing of each wish is based on the medical and emotional needs of the child and family. Referrals can be made any time after your child’s diagnosis is confirmed. We will work closely with your family and your child’s medical team to determine the best time for granting your child’s wish. We also coordinate closely with your child’s medical team to ensure that treatment protocols are never interrupted or jeopardized. Most wishes are granted within one year from the date the child is referred. Does a wish mean that my child is terminal or dying? No. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has sometimes been incorrectly portrayed as an organization that grants wishes only to children who are dying. Our eligibility criteria stipulate that a child must be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition at the time of the referral, not a terminal condition. The process of making a wish is life-affirming and full of hope. For many children, a wish experience becomes a turning point, renewing their courage and determination to fight. Our wish children who are now adults attest to this! Does our family’s financial status matter? Is it inappropriate to accept a wish if my family does not have a financial need? The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation mandates that we fulfill the wish of every child with a life-threatening medical condition who qualifies for a wish in our chapter’s territory. Each child who receives a wish has been through a difficult experience that no child should have to endure and we take pride in brightening each child’s life, regardless of their race, creed, religion or socio-economic status. Children from financially secure backgrounds often ask for wishes that cannot be valued, but regardless, every child’s wish experience is “priceless”. How is the family involved in a child’s wish? The Make-A-Wish Foundation is unique in that a child’s immediate family takes part in the wish. Every effort is made to include the child’s immediate family that lives with the child in the wish experience. They have all shared in the grief of the illness and should share in the joy and memories of the wish experience. However, since the spontaneous, joyful impulse of the child is the ideal upon which the Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded, we request that family members allow the child to make the wish decision without help, prodding, or input from anyone else. Will my family’s privacy be respected? The Make-A-Wish Foundation takes great care to guard the privacy of the children and families we serve. Your child’s medical information is considered confidential and is not discussed with outside parties unless it is required for the wish. Your consent is required before we can obtain or share any information regarding your child or your family. Who pays for my child’s wish? The Make-A-Wish Foundation covers the entire cost of your child’s wish. There is no cost to the family. |