Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire

Wish Granting

The Wish Granting program is how Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire brings its mission to life. This life-changing program creates personalized wish experiences for children between the ages of 2 1/2 - 18 living with critical illnesses in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Our goal is to make sure every child with a serious illness gets the chance to have a special wish come true. The Make-A-Wish journey begins when an eligible child is referred to us by a medical professional, parent or guardian. They are then paired with trained Make-A-Wish staff and volunteers. Our volunteers receive specialized training in child engagement, wish discovery, confidentiality, safety, and family support. Together, they help the child begin imagining and designing their wish. For many children, this is the first time in months that conversations are centered on their dreams instead of their diagnosis. Every wish is as unique as the child who makes it, and we work closely with each family to create a personalized experience that reflects the child's interests, dreams, and personality and fall into one of five categories: • to be • to go • to meet • to have • to give. The wish journey is about much more than the day the wish is granted. Throughout this time, anticipation builds as the child helps make decisions and watches their wish come to life. Families often describe the journey itself as just as meaningful as the wish experience, as it gives them something joyful to focus on during challenging treatments. It creates opportunities for excitement, hope, and togetherness. As children begin to imagine their wish, they begin to imagine their future again. By transforming a child's focus from illness to possibility, the wish journey is proven to provide emotional support and lasting memories that can positively impact the health of the child. For these families, a wish empowers and inspires them to comply with treatment, manage their way through the tough days and look ahead to something that gives them hope.