Kids Wish Network Frequently Asked Questions

Our most common questions come from wish families or relatives who want to know if we can help their child. The following FAQ section covers our most common inquiries. If you do not see your question here, please Contact Us at 888-918-9004 [toll-free].

We will be happy to respond to any questions you may have.

Wish FAQ's

What are the criteria for granting a wish?

Do you only grant wishes to children who are terminally ill?

Will you grant a wish to a child with a life-threatening illness who is unable to communicate?

What kinds of wishes are most frequently requested?

What kinds of wishes are not considered?

Who is permitted to go on the child's wish with him/her?

My child's wish is a travel wish. What dates can we travel?

Is there any charge to the family of a wish child?

Is a family's economic status a factor for their child to be eligible for a wish?

Where do wish child referrals come from?

Wish FAQ's

What are the criteria for granting a wish?

We grant wishes to children between the ages of 3 and 18 who have a life-threatening illness and who have not had a previous wish with another organization. The child also must be able to communicate his or her wish, either verbally or nonverbally. A certified medical doctor must sign a form signifying that his or her patient's condition is life- threatening - no other medical prognosis is required. Unlike most organizations, which require a child's physician to sign a statement of probability that the child will not survive past the age of eighteen, Kids Wish Network requires only that the physician verify the child's condition as life-threatening. We believe in celebrating life and encourage our wish families and kids to remain hopeful.

Do you only grant wishes to children who are terminally ill?

Ours is a mission of hope for a full recovery, and we have witnessed first-hand miracles in that regard. A doctor must only sign a form indicating that the child's condition is life-threatening to qualify medically for a wish.

Will you grant a wish to a child with a life-threatening illness who is unable to communicate?

We will grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses who are able to communicate their wish either verbally or non-verbally. We are committed to ensuring that the wish desired, truly comes from the child. If a child is non-verbal, we will need to have the wish verified through a professional non-family member who works with the child. (I.E.: doctor, social worker, teacher, etc.)

What kinds of wishes are most frequently requested?

To meet a celebrity, theme park visits, shopping sprees, and traveling are all popular choices. We have also fulfilled many requests for commodity wishes such as playground sets, computers and high definition televisions.

What kinds of wishes are not considered?

We are unable to grant wishes such as motorized vehicles, hunting trips, in-ground pools or in-ground hot tubs or international travel due to liability. We also do not grant wishes for pets, medical equipment or home improvements. We do not give cash.

Who is permitted to go on the child's wish with him?

Immediate family members living in the same house with the child are eligible to participate in the wish. If a sibling is over the age of 18, we will need proof of residency for that sibling. We will also permit a nurse to attend if the child is in need of professional medical assistance.

My child's wish is a travel wish. What dates can we travel?

We make every attempt to work with your desired schedule. However, we do not schedule travel wishes during any holidays or spring break.

Is there any charge to the family of a wish child?

Kids Wish Network never charges a wish family for fulfilling a child's wish. All expenses for the wish are appropriately funded. We believe the families should not be burdened by the financial cost of their child's wish.

Is a family's economic status a factor for their child to be eligible for a wish?

There are absolutely no income qualification requirements that a wish family must meet in order for their child to be eligible for a wish.

Where do wish child referrals come from?

There are many referral sources for wish kids, including professional fundraisers, hospitals, medical organizations and parents, relatives and friends who are aware of a child who may be eligible for a wish. They hear about us from press releases, public service announcements, volunteers, our website, fundraisers and numerous other sources.