How Wishes Happen

“If you could wish for anything, what would it be?” Wish granting starts with that one question…a wonderful, magical question that indulges the imagination and empowers the spirit. The answer can be as simple as a new puppy or as exciting as an adventure trip to Alaska. The Make-A-Wish^® staff of the Central California Chapter and its base of more than 50 caring, trained wishgranters work with children and families to find that one perfect wish. The Foundation follows certain policies and guidelines to ensure the child’s health and safety. Likewise, the child’s physician and parents are consulted to ensure the best possible experience. Wishes are granted without regard to race, gender, creed, socio-economic or cultural background. Wishes are made possible by the generosity of many contributors throughout our eight county communities.

A wish experience is often more than a dream come true: It’s the catalyst that rekindles their 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 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. 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 experience 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 entire communities.