Many people ask us, "How does a wish happen?"
A child is referred to us. Nearly anyone can refer a child, but the child's
parents must be aware of the referral and we must receive authorization from
the child's doctor. There are several ways to refer a child.
Once a referral is made, the child's physician is
contacted for authorization and confirmation that the child meets the
medical criteria for a wish.
When we receive medical authorization, we share the good news with the family and assign a team of volunteer Wish Granters.
The child's Wish Granter arrange to visit the family.
During their visit, Wish Granters have one very important responsibility: to help a child
identify one heartfelt wish. A second wish is also determined (just in case
the first one is not approved by the doctor or is one of the few wishes our
chapter cannot grant).
Our office contacts the child's doctor to get approval that the wish is safe
and appropriate for the child's medical condition.
Once we receive medical approval, our Wish Granters will contact the family
again and begin the magical work of making a wish happen.
The Wish Granters will stay in touch with the family as they plan the wish.
With the help of community members, and sometimes magical intervention, Wish Granters dream up surprises, seek donations, organize itineraries and set
dates.
On the wish day itself, the family sits back as the wish unfolds, often with
special joys and serendipitous touches.
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