About Us FAQs
What is your vision?
The vision of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is that people everywhere will share the power of a wish.
How did Make-A-Wish begin?
In 1980, a seven-year-old Phoenix boy with leukemia inspired the founding of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A group of officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety granted his wish to be a police officer by giving him a custom-made uniform, helmet, badge -- even a helicopter ride! The young boy's delight in having his wish granted inspired the group to form an organization which would grant special wishes of other children.
How are you structured?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America was founded to charter local chapters throughout the United States and its territories. Today there are 72 chapters in the U.S. and its territories. Each chapter raises and spends its own funds, serving the children in its own territory. Each chapter also hosts families from other states.
When did your chapter start?
The North Texas chapter was incorporated in 1982. It serves 107 counties in the North Texas region.
How many wishes are granted?
Each year, our chapter grants more than 300 wishes. We also host additional wishes for children from other states visiting North Texas for a special wish experience. Nationally, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 132,000 wishes, and currently grants more than 12,000 wishes a year.
How old must a child be to have a wish granted?
A child must be between the ages of 21⁄2 and 18 at the time of the referral.
What children are eligible?
Children who have been diagnosed by their physician as having a medical condition that is life-threatening, and who are between two and a half and eighteen years of age, are eligible for a wish. More detailed guidelines on eligibility are provided to medical professionals on request. Make-A-Wish grants wishes regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status. No eligible child has ever been denied a wish or placed on a waiting list.
Who makes a wish referral?
Approximately half of all wish referrals are initiated by healthcare professionals, and half are started by friends, relatives and other wish families. If the initial call comes from someone other than the parents or guardians, we ask that the parents or guardians be encouraged to call directly on behalf of their own child.
How does someone make a wish referral?
To refer a child, call our office at (214) 496-9474.
Does the family's financial status matter?
No, economic background does not affect whether a child is eligible for a wish.
What if a family does not want publicity?
We respect and protect a child's and family's right to privacy. Publicity will never be sought without permission, and a family may decline publicity at any time.
Do you sponsor chain letters?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation does not participate in chain letters, telemarketing, door to door solicitation or other direct solicitation of wishes.
