The Make a Wish Foundation, Bringing Joy to Terminally Ill Children

"Make A Wish" is not an uncommon name; we hear about them in the news, read about them in magazines and might even be familiar with someone who has received a wish. But what do we know about them?

Started in 1980, the foundation, which has a base of operations in Phoenix, Arizona, has set out to change the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish granting work. Currently it has reached over 144,000 children around the world, with a network of over 25,000 volunteers. Their mission statement states: "We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy."

There are four steps involved in receiving a wish.

Step 1: Referral. The foundation relies on medical professionals, parents and sometimes children themselves for referrals. Children who have reached the age of 2 ½ and are under the age of 18 at the time of referral and haven't received a wish from another wish-granting organization may be eligible for a wish

Step 2: Medical eligibility. A child's medical eligibility needs to be determined with the help of their treating doctor. To receive a wish, the child must be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, for instance a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that has placed the child's life in danger.

Step 3: Finding the true wish. A "wish team" member will be sent out to learn the child's one true wish. These volunteers connect with the children and help explore their imagination for the experience that will delight and inspire them.

Step 4: Creating joy. The wish granters create an unforgettable experience based on the child's imagination. It's an incredible experience that enriches not just the lives of the children and their families, but often an entire community.

The "Make A Wish" foundation has changed the lives of so many terminally ill children by making their dreams come true. Truly their ultimate wish is to give hope to a child and bring them some joy. The foundation relies heavily on volunteers and donations. For the year 2005, 12,550 wishes were granted, with the average cost of a wish being $6,450. The foundation has a volunteer to staff ration of 35:1.

If you would like more information about this great cause, their website is full of helpful information, company history and stories of wishes. You can log on here: http://www.wish.org/