How Wishes Are Granted
Each year, close to 500 children in the State of New Jersey experience the magic and power of a wish. It is through the incredible generosity of our contributors, the dedication of our volunteers and the tireless support of our staff that each of these wishes becomes a reality.
A wish begins once a child is referred to our organization. With the approval of the family, anyone can refer a child, whether it’s a parent, a teacher, a medical professional, a social worker, a friend or even the child. Upon receiving the referral, a confidential discussion with the child’s doctor is held to determine whether the child is medically eligible to receive a wish. Medical eligibility is based on the medical criteria established by the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America and includes a broad range of life-threatening illnesses.
Once medical eligibility is established, our volunteers and staff take over from there. A volunteer team contacts the child’s family and sets-up an initial visit. The magic of a wish begins on that visit when our volunteers ask the child one simple question… The limitless answers, especially when fueled by a child’s imagination, are the very essence of what we do.
Some children have an immediate answer. Others need time to think about it. Regardless of how unique or seemingly impossible, our volunteers and staff go to great lengths to make the dream a reality and to make the wish the most magical of moments in the child’s life.
What Can a Child Wish For?
While there are some restrictions in place to protect the safety of our children, a child’s wish is only limited by his or her imagination. Wishes usually fit into one of the following categories:
I wish to go
Some Make-A-Wish® kids want to travel to their favorite theme park, while others want to visit an exotic beach, go on a cruise, see snow for the first time, or attend a major sporting event or concert.
I wish to be
Children search the depths of their imagination when they wish to be someone for a day - a fireman, a police officer, or a model, for instance.
I wish to meet
Many want to meet their favorite athlete, recording artist, television personality, movie star, politician, or public figure.
I wish to have
Children often wish for a special gift, like a computer, a tree house, a shopping spree, or something that they have coveted for a long time.
Trips to experience the magic of Disney continue to be our most requested wish. Computers have also become extremely popular for children of all ages and for special needs children who use their computer as a communication device. Yet our children continue to inspire us all with their unique and heart-warming requests, such as six-year old Ashley’s wish for a swing set. But not just any swing set. She shyly asked her volunteers if it would be possible to get two swings on her swing set. They asked why two swings were so important. Her answer was an inspirational testament to the power of a wish. “Since I’ve been so sick, I’ve never had a friend…and if I have an extra swing, maybe I can make a friend”.
Click here to refer a child!
