How Wishes Are Granted

Each year more than 400 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 us. 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 themselves.

Upon receiving a 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 Make-A-Wish America and includes a broad range of life-threatening illnesses.

Once medical eligibility is established, our staff assigns a wish granting volunteer team.

The volunteer team contacts the child’s family and sets-up an initial visit, either at the Wishing Place, the family’s home, or, perhaps, in the child’s hospital room.

The magic of a wish begins on that initial visit when our volunteers ask the child one simple question…“If you could have one wish, what would it be?” 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? Read and learn more.