General
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| General
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Q: Does a child's condition have to be terminal to qualify for a wish?
A: No. Many of the children with life-threatening illnesses who qualify for a wish go on to lead healthy and happy lives. In fact the majority of the wish children we've dealt with are alive and well today. Many attend our annual wish reunion. The child's treating physician makes the determination of whether a child has a life-threatening illness.
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Q: Are there any restrictions on a wish?
A: Often, the wish is limited only by the child's imagination. However, the Make-A-Wish Foundation does follow policies and guidelines in granting a wish. The physician also plays a major role in determining whether the child's condition will allow for particular wishes to be coordinated. However, there may be requests that are beyond the realm of control of Make-A-Wish and subject to rules and regulations of outside entities. In those cases, a secondary wish is requested of a child. It is the policy of Make-A-Wish to never deny the child the power and magic of a wish. Also because we've been so successful in making the public aware of our mission, we've been very busy.
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Q: Does the family have to pay for the wish?
A: No. All wish expenses are fully covered, including any travel and spending money when appropriate. Our objective is to create a memorable wish experience for both the child and family that is not clouded by financial considerations.
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Q: Have you ever turned down a wish?
A: We've never turned down an eligible wish and it is our pledge never to deny a wish to an eligible child.
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Q: How much does granting a wish cost?
A: The cost associated with coordinating a wish varies depending upon the type and location of the wish, our average costs at the present time is $6,000.00 plus whatever in-kind assistance we're able to locate in fulfilling the wish. |
Q: How long does it take to grant a wish?
A: The length of time it takes to grant a wish for a child who medically qualifies can range anywhere from 24 hours to two years. The determining factor is the child's particular wish and current medical condition. When a child does not have the time to wait for a wish, we make every effort to grant that child's wish within 24 hours. However, in most situations, the process takes approximately four weeks from the initial phone calls to the wish being granted. Travel related wishes often take a longer period of time to grant due to additional planning, preparation and other varied reasons (including medical relapses). Rescheduling may cause additional waiting.
A child's wish to meet a celebrity or sports figure may, for instance, present the longest delay. In some situations, the waiting period may extend up to two years depending on the celebrity's schedule. |
Q: What contact can a wish family expect from Make-A-Wish after my child's wish is granted?
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The current policy establishes that wish granters should not continue their relationship with a family after the wish has been granted. This ensures that all memories of the wish experience and relationship with Make-A-Wish volunteers/staff are positive and all about the magic that the wish may have brought.
Additionally, you will not receive solicitations for funding from Make-A-Wish. We never assume that a wish family should feel any obligation for "repayment." However, you will be invited to celebrate with us at special holiday parities if you so choose.
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Q: What is the most requested wish?
A: Most wish requests fall into four major categories: "I want to go . . . ," "I want to be . . . ," "I want to meet . . . ," or "I want to have . . . ." A large percentage of all wishes are for Disney World/Disneyland. Others wish to meet a favorite movie star, rock star or athlete. Others may wish for a special gift: a computer, a TV, or a tree house. And others wish to be someone for a day: a fireman, a police officer, or a model, for instance.
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Q: What are the steps in granting a wish?
A: For all the details, please visit our Wish Process page. |
Q: What are your sources of funding?
A: The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Western North Carolina finances its work through individual contributions, corporate donations, foundation grants, and special fundraising events. The Foundation relies on in-kind contributions to lessen the cost of goods and services. Make-A-Wish Foundation does not solicit for contributions over the phone or door-to-door.
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Q: Does the Make-A-Wish Foundation telemarket?
A: The Make-A-Wish Foundation does not employ telemarketers to raise money, despite sometimes being confused with other organizations that do. In fact, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has a nationwide policy against telephone and door-to-door solicitation. There are a number of other sound-alike organizations - some also with “wish” in their names. Many are ethical and provide an excellent community service. However, it is wise to check out who you are dealing with. If you receive a call from someone asking for a donation, ask them to send you materials, just to be sure.
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Q: Is my contribution tax-deductible?
A: Yes. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Western North Carolina is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. As such, all contributions are deductible for income tax purposes. Our financial statements are available upon request.
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Q: Who is included in the wish?
A: The immediate family is our main focus when deciding on participants in the wish. In all cases we attempt to include the entire immediate family to ensure that the experience is meaningful to everyone involved.
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Q: What if my child is unable to complete a wish?
A: We hope that every qualified wish child and their family is given the opportunity to experience the magic and joy of a wish. However, because the Foundation's mission is to grant the qualifying child's wish, we cannot continue the planning process without the wish child present.
If a child becomes too ill to participate in the planned wish, Make-A-Wish will wait until the time is better or will seek out a second wish that could be granted immediately. Furthermore, while many of our past wish children are living healthy, productive lives, we realize that some children may not survive to personally experience a wish. While we understand the entire family is affected by the child's condition, completing the wish without the child's participation is not our mission. |
Q: What if something happens to my child or family during the wish?
A: Wish team members and staff are on call 24 hours a day. In the event of an emergency, these individuals can be contacted for immediate assistance and/or rescheduling of travel for an earlier return.
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Q: Who are the people on a child's wish team that work with each qualifying family?
A: Wish team membership is comprised of volunteers from the community who have successfully passed criminal and personal background checks, participated in approximately 12 hours of training, and have completed at least two supervised experiences working with wish families. |
