Frequently Asked Questions

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 67 U.S. chapters and we can be found in 30 countries on five continents. 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 Central California chapter was incorporated in 1986. It serves eight counties in the Central Valley: Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced and Tulare.

How many wishes are granted?
This year, our chapter will grant approximately 65 wishes. We also host additional wishes for children from other states visiting Central California for a special wish experience. Worldwide, our foundation has granted more than 1,350,000 wishes; approximately 12,500 wishes a year.

How old must a child be to have a wish granted?
A child must be between the ages of 2½ and under 18 at the time of the referral.

What children are eligible?
Children who have been diagnosed by their physician as having a condition that is life-threatening, and who are between two and a half and under eighteen years of age, are eligible for a wish. More detailed guidelines on eligibility are provided to medical professionals on request. Make-A-Wish Foundation® grants wishes regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status.

Who makes a wish referral?
A child may be referred by a healthcare professional, a parent or guardian or the child himself/herself. 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 559-221-9474 or visit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America web site at www.wish.org.

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.