Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs… About Us

FAQs… About Wishes

FAQs… About Supporting Wishes

FAQs… About Volunteering

FAQs… About Referring a Child

FAQs… for Parents and Families

FAQs… About Us

How did the Make-A-Wish Foundation begin?
In April, 1980, a seven-year-old child with leukemia, Chris Greicius, had his dream of being a police officer realized as officers of the Arizona Department of Public Safety honored him with a custom-made uniform, helmet, badge, and even a helicopter ride! Chris’s delight in the fulfillment of his dream inspired the beginnings of the Make-A-Wish Foundation . . . now the largest wish-granting organization in the world.

How is the Make-A-Wish Foundation structured?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is the world’s largest wishgranting organization with 65 chapters throughout the United States and 27 international affiliates. Since its founding, the Metro New York chapter has granted more than 7,500 wishes. In Fiscal Year 2008, we touched the lives of a record number of 778 wish children and their families by granting 500 wishes for local children, by facilitating 278 wish assists for children who reside in other areas, but whose wishes took place in New York - that’s one wish every 11 hours, making Metro New York one of the most active chapters in the national network of 66 Make-A-Wish chapters across the country.

How did the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York begin?
In 1983 thirteen volunteers joined together to grant the wish of 10 year-old Steven, whose heartfelt wish was to meet ‘Daisy Duke’ (actress Catherine Bach) of the popular Dukes of Hazzard television show. The wonder and joy of witnessing Steven’s wish-come-true in the magic of Ms. Bach’s visit to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center was contagious… and a new local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation was born.

What area does the Metro New York chapter cover?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York provides wishes for eligible children in the five boroughs of New York City (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island) and in Nassau County on Long Island. Our chapter offices are located in Lake Success on the Queens-Long Island border; and we maintain a satellite office in Manhattan.

How many wishes has the Metro New York chapter granted?
The Metro New York chapter has granted over 7,500 wishes since its founding in 1983. Based on the audit results of fiscal year 2008, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York spent 81% of its revenue on wish-granting and related program expenses. Only 9% was spent on administrative costs and 10% was allocated to fundraising.

Who is eligible for a wish?
Any child who is between the ages of 2 1/2 and under the age of 18 (at the time of referral), who is verified by a physician to have a life-threatening medical condition, and who has not previously been granted a wish by any wish-granting organization, is eligible for a wish.

How can I refer an eligible child for a wish?
Eligible children may be referred by a parent or legal guardian, doctor, social worker, or other involved medical professional. Children can even refer themselves! For information please call 516-944-6212 x114.

How are wishes paid for?
Funding comes from individual contributions, special events, schools, corporate donations and sponsorships, foundation grants, workplace giving programs and planned gifts. Each chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is responsible for raising and managing the funds needed to grant the wishes of children within their area.

How can I obtain more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York?
In addition to browsing through this web site, you can contact us with specific questions at (516) 944-6212 or (212) 505-WISH. Financial statements for the Metro New York Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation can be viewed under Facts & Figures on this web site or can be obtained by contacting us at (516) 944-6212 ext. 111 or emailing tflaherty@metrony.wish.org

FAQs…. About Wishes

Who is eligible to receive a wish?
To be eligible for a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a child must be between the ages of two and a half and under the age of 18 years at the time of referral and have a life-threatening medical condition that will be verified by their physician. Any child who has already been granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation or another wish-granting organization is not eligible for a second wish.

Are a family’s income or financial resources considered?
The income of a family plays no part in determining a child’s eligibility for a wish.

What do most children wish for?
Wishes reflect the heartfelt desire of a child. A wish may be for something grand and complex or it may be for something simple and basic. It is limited only by the child’s imagination.  Most wish requests fall into four major categories:

  • I wish to go — Some wish kids want to travel to their favorite theme park, while others want to visit an exotic beach, go on a cruise or visit family.
  • I wish to be — Children search the depths of their imagination when they wish to be someone for a day - a fireman, a police officer, or a model, for instance.
  • I wish to have — Children often wish for a special gift, like a computer, a club house, a shopping spree, or something that they have coveted for a long time.
  • I wish to meet — Children often wish to meet their favorite celebrity, sports icon or other public figures.

Is the family included in the wish?
Every effort is made to include the child’s immediate family that lives with the child in the wish experience. All other participant requests are viewed on a case by case basis.

Are there restrictions on a wish?
A wish is limited only by the child’s imagination. To be sure that each child gains the maximum benefit of a wish experience, we work with the child’s physician to determine the appropriateness and the timing of the wish.

How are wishes fulfilled?
Make-A-Wish Foundation volunteer wish teams work with staff to coordinate the details of each child’s wish . . . making sure each wish is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that incorporates the child’s hopes and dreams. Once a child’s medical eligibility is confirmed, our wish volunteers contact and visit with the child and family. The child’s wish begins with the opportunity to envision his or her most heartfelt desire as our volunteers ask: “If you could have anything you wanted . . . go anywhere . . . meet anyone . . . have anything, what would that be?” Inviting a child to imagine happiness in the midst of difficult times is an important part of the life-enhancing process that the wish experience offers.

What is the average cost of a wish?
The average cost of granting a wish in the Metro New York chapter is $7,500. This varies, as the wishes themselves vary. Once we know a child’s most heartfelt wish, we do our best to make that wish come true.

Does the family have to contribute toward the wish?
Wish expenses are fully covered by the Make-A-Wish chapter granting the wish. This will often include travel expenses, lodging, meals, and spending money. Our objective is to provide the child and family with memories of joy that are not clouded with the worries of expenses.

How are wishes paid for?
Funding for wishes comes from individual contributions, special events, schools, corporate donations and sponsorships, foundation grants, workplace giving programs and planned gifts. Each chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation is responsible for raising and managing the funds needed to grant the wishes of children within their area.

FAQs… About Supporting Wishes

How can I make a contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York?
Contributions can be made by mail, by telephone or on-line. If you would like to make a donation by mail, please send it to:
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York
1111 Marcus Avenue, Suite LL22
Lake Success, New York 11042

Credit Card donations can be made via telephone by calling 516-944-6212 or click to make a credit card donation on-line.

How can I help to raise funds to support wishes?
There are many ways to help fund wishes. Whether you are a corporate CEO considering sponsorship of a major event or a third grade student coordinating a class project, our staff will provide the information and support you need. Please browse through our Supporting Wishes section and consider the many options we offer for corporate, individual, and student involvement.

Are there other ways I can help to support wishes?
Make-A-Wish Foundation offers opportunities to join our work in various volunteer capacities. We offer programs for students and schools and we can help you to initiate workplace giving at your place of business. Please browse through our Ways to Help section to look for ideas that match your interests and capabilities.

What are your sources of funding?
The work of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York is funded entirely by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations and by monies raised through special events. We also rely on ‘in-kind’ contributions of goods and services to defray cash costs of wish granting and fund raising. We do not use - or permit others to use on our behalf - telephone marketing, door-to-door solicitations, or similar fundraising approaches.

Does the Make-A-Wish Foundation use telemarketing?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation does not use - or permit others to use on our behalf - telemarketing, door-to-door solicitations, or similar fundraising approaches.

Is my contribution tax-deductible?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization; and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Does the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York meet the Better Business Bureau’s Charity Standards?
Yes, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York meets Better Business Bureau Standards for Charitable Solicitations (latest review, June 2008). It is one of the first charities in New York State to qualify to use the BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance seal. To obtain a report from the BBB, contact them at www.newyork.bbb.org

FAQs… About Volunteering

Does the Make-A-Wish Foundation offer volunteer opportunities?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York depends on the help of volunteers in every aspect of our work. Volunteers are involved in wish granting, fundraising, special events, outreach efforts, publicity, and helping out in the office.

What are the benefits of volunteering with Make-A-Wish Foundation?
Whatever volunteer position you assume at Make-A-Wish Foundation, you will know that your work helps to bring hope, strength, and joy to a child at a very difficult time in his or her life. You will meet and work with our dedicated staff and volunteers in a supportive and challenging atmosphere.

What roles do volunteers fill and how is placement determined?
Our Wish-Granting Volunteers work directly with children and families to fulfill wishes. Wish Assist Volunteers greet and assist out-of-town families whose child’s wish brings them to the New York area. Other areas in which volunteers help with our mission: Community Outreach, Interpreters, Wish Story Writing, Special Events and other fundraising coordination; administrative assistance to our office staff. For a complete list of volunteer roles please view the Volunteer Time & Talents section.

What type of training will I receive?
As a new volunteer, you will participate in a basic orientation session followed by special training for the specific volunteer role(s) you choose after the initial orientation

What is the time commitment expected of volunteers?
Volunteer commitments vary, depending on the volunteer role you decide to pursue. We make every effort to match your availability and level of commitment with the needs of your volunteer assignment. As a Make-A-Wish Volunteer, you are given the important task of making a child’s wish come true. It is important work; and we expect a high level of commitment and professionalism from all our volunteers. In return, the Make-A-Wish Foundation makes a commitment to you: We promise to provide quality training and the support and resources needed to do the work entrusted to you.

Are volunteers directly involved with the children and families?
Wish Granting Volunteers have the highest level of involvement with children and their families. They make the initial contact with the family, interview the family to determine the child’s most heartfelt wish, and coordinate the details of granting the wish with Make-A-Wish staff members. As a new volunteer, you will receive training and be mentored by an experienced volunteer to ensure that you are knowledgeable and comfortable in meeting and talking with the children and their families.

Are there volunteer positions that would not be so emotionally demanding?
There are many volunteer opportunities that do not involve direct contact with our wish kids and their families. In addition to wish granting, our volunteers are involved in fund-raising and special events, outreach efforts, publicity, and helping out in the office. Please see our Volunteer Job Descriptions. If you have a special skill or talent you would like to offer, please contact our Volunteer Development staff to see how you can become involved.

How do I apply?
We’re so glad you asked! To begin the process of becoming a Make-A-Wish Volunteer, please request for an application form by contacting our offices at the address below. You may also contact our offices by phone at 516/944-6212 x 103 or by email: jklein@metrony.wish.org Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York 1111 Marcus Avenue, Suite LL22 Lake Success, New York 11042

How long is the application process?
It usually takes two months from the time your application is received until the time you can begin as a Make-A-Wish Volunteer.

FAQs… About Referring a Child

How is a child referred for a wish?
There are several ways to refer a child to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. You can call the Metro New York Chapter offices at (516) 944-6212. Referrals can also be made online via our National site www.wish.org or referral forms can be faxed (medical personnel only) to (516) 883-1835.

Who can refer a child?
Eligible children can be referred by a parent or legal guardian, or a medical professional involved in their care. We also accept self-referrals by children who contact us directly.

How is eligibility determined?
Medical eligibility is determined by the child’s primary care physician, who must sign a medical authorization. Any child facing a life-threatening medical condition who is between the ages of two and a half and under the age of 18 at the time of referral and who has not previously been granted a wish by any chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation or by any other wish-granting organization is eligible for a wish.

Is a child who has already received a wish from another organization eligible for a Make-A-Wish Foundation wish?
Children who have had previous wishes granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation or by other wish-granting organizations are not eligible for a second wish.

Does the family’s financial status matter?
No, a family’s financial status has no impact on determining eligibility or the wish that is granted.

Can we count on the Make-A-Wish Foundation to protect the child’s privacy?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation respects the privacy of the children and families it serves. All medical information is considered confidential and is not discussed with outside parties unless it is required for the wish and the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s) have given their consent.

FAQs for Parents and Families…

Does accepting a wish mean that we’re giving up hope for our child’s recovery?
No. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has sometimes been incorrectly portrayed as an organization that grants wishes only to children who are terminally ill. Our eligibility criteria stipulate that a child must be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, not a terminal condition. The process of making a wish is life-affirming and full of hope. For many children a wish experience becomes a turning point, renewing their courage and determination to fight for a future. Our wish children who are now adults would attest to this!

Are families reluctant to accept a wish because it feels like taking charity?
There are several reasons why a family might hesitate to call us. A family might feel, for example, that they could grant a wish for their child themselves. Or they don’t want to take the opportunity away from a more needy family

If our family can afford to pay for our child’s wish, will accepting a wish be unfair to less fortunate families?
All medically qualified children are eligible for a wish, regardless of their family’s income. Even if a family can afford to fund the wish themselves, we seek to bring elements of surprise, magic, and fun to the wish experience. We have never had to turn a wish down because of a lack of funds, and take pride in fulfilling the wish of every eligible child.

When should I refer my child for a wish?
The timing of each wish is based on the medical and emotional needs of the child and family. Referrals can be made any time after your child’s diagnosis is confirmed. We will work closely with your family and your child’s medical team to determine the best time for granting your child’s wish. We also coordinate closely with your child’s medical team to ensure that treatment protocols are never interrupted or jeopardized. Most wishes are granted within one year from the date the child is referred.

How is my child’s wish determined?
Once a child’s eligibility for a wish is confirmed, our wish-granting volunteers will schedule a time to meet with you and your child to find out what his or her wish is. Our volunteers are specially trained to help your child explore the different types of wishes and to identify his or her most heartfelt wish. This initial part of a child’s Make-A-Wish experience can generate hopeful expectation and give your child something to look forward to.

Who pays for our child’s wish?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation covers the entire cost of your child’s wish. There is no cost to the family.

Will my family’s privacy be respected?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation takes great care to guard the privacy of the children and families we serve. Your child’s medical information is considered confidential and is not discussed with outside parties unless it is required for the wish. Your consent is required before we can obtain or share any information regarding your child or your family.

How do I determine if my child is eligible for a wish?
If your child is between the ages of 2 1/2 and under the age of 18 and has been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition (determined by your physician), he or she may be eligible for a wish. The medical professionals working with your child will be able to give you more information. Or you can contact our offices at 516-944-6212.

How do I refer my child for a wish?
There are several ways to refer your child for a wish. You can call the Metro New York Chapter offices at 516-944-6212. Referrals can also be made online via our national site (www.wish.org), or referral forms can be faxed by your physician or other member of your child’s medical treatment team to 516-944-6212.

Refer an Eligible Child

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