Many people ask us, "How does a wish happen?" To find out, follow us step-by-step through our wish process.

A child is referred to us. There are several ways to refer a child.

We contact a child's doctor for authorization that the child meets the medical criteria for a wish.

When we receive medical authorization, we tell the family the good news, and assign two volunteer Wish Granters.

A team of two Wish Granters arranges to visit the family.

During their visit, the Wish Granters have one very important responsibility: to help a child identify one heartfelt wish. They will also find out a second wish (just in case the first one is not approved by the doctor, or is one of the few wishes our chapter cannot endorse).

Our office contacts the child's doctor to get approval that the wish is safe and appropriate for the child's medical condition.

Once we receive medical approval our Wish Granters will contact the family again and begin the magical work of making a wish happen.

The Wish Granters will stay in touch with the family as they plan the wish.

With the help of community members, and sometimes magical intervention, Wish Granters dream up surprises, seek donations, organize itineraries, and set dates.

On the wish day itself, the family sits back as the wish unfolds, often with special joys and serendipitous touches.