How Wishes Are Granted

Wish granting truly is a magical, yet comprehensive and dynamic process.

Every wish the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Virginia represents a unique group effort between wish children, wish families, medical professionals, volunteers and donors. This collaboration then cultivates a life-affirming experience for both child and family.

A wish starts with a thought…

The magic of wish granting usually begins with a referral call to the chapter office by a physician, social worker, family member or even the child himself. At the time of that first call a wish referral form is completed with relevant information about the child. After the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has been contacted, a medical authorization form is sent to the child’s medical team (M.D., D.O., certified nurse practitioner, certified physician’s assistant). Upon medical approval, a team of volunteers schedules an initial interview to discover the child’s wish. After the wish has been discovered, chapter staff and volunteers work the magic for the child’s wish to come true.

…builds to bring hope and give strength…

There are four steps to granting a wish. Each step builds on the next to help create the amazing experiences that delight wish kids and their families. A wish experience is frequently a source of inspiration for children undergoing difficult medical treatments and a positive force that helps them overcome obstacles.

…and ends in pure joy.

A wish experience is often more than a dream come true: It’s the catalyst that rekindles a wish child’s belief in themselves and the promise of their future.

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 medical team (M.D., D.O., certified nurse practitioner, or certified physician’s assistant). 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 an experience that will both delight and inspire.

Step 4: Creating joy
The child’s wish can 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 entire communities.

Click above to refer a child!