Make-A-Wish for Children with chILD

A Guide for Families of Children with chILD

Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children ages 2½ to 18 who have a critical illness — a serious condition that puts their life at risk. Many children with chILD qualify. Some diagnoses qualify right away, without a case-by-case review.

Important for Families: Your child does NOT have to be near the end of life to receive a wish. Make-A-Wish serves children who are LIVING with a critical illness — not only those who are dying. The wish is meant to give your child a moment of joy and hope during a very hard time.

chILD Diagnoses That Automatically Qualify

These lung conditions qualify a child for Make-A-Wish without additional review:

• Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) — active and on treatment
• Surfactant protein dysfunction — includes changes in genes ABCA3, SFTPB, SFTPC, and TTF-1/NKX2-1
• Tracheostomy placed for chronic breathing failure
• Chronic ventilator dependence
• Progressive interstitial lung disease linked to immune problems — includes COPA syndrome and SAVI
• Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring in the lungs)
• Pulmonary lymphangiectasia
• Lung transplant — on the waiting list or already transplanted
• Severe breathing problems that keep getting worse and have not fully responded to treatment
• Progressive histiocytosis — includes pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH)

Other Children Who May Qualify

Many other chILD diagnoses may qualify case by case — Make-A-Wish reviews the child’s situation with supporting medical records. If your child is seriously ill, it is always worth asking.

How to Apply

Step 1: Ask your child’s doctor, nurse, or hospital social worker to make a referral. Families can also apply directly.

Step 2: A licensed doctor must fill out a Diagnosis Verification Form confirming the qualifying diagnosis.

Step 3: Make-A-Wish will connect your family with a local volunteer team to discover your child’s wish.

Step 4: There is NO cost to families. Make-A-Wish covers all wish expenses.

Website: wish.org | Medical referrals: wish.org/medical-referral

If you are not sure if your child qualifies, ask your hospital’s child life specialist or social worker — they know the process well.

Glossary

ABCA3 — A gene that helps make surfactant. Changes in this gene are one of the most common genetic causes of chILD. Automatically qualifies for Make-A-Wish.

COPA Syndrome — A rare genetic condition causing lung inflammation, kidney disease, and joint problems. May automatically qualify for Make-A-Wish.

Critical illness (Make-A-Wish definition) — A serious, ongoing condition that currently puts a child’s life at risk. The child must still be ill.

Diagnosis Verification Form — A form filled out by a licensed doctor confirming a child has a qualifying diagnosis. Required for the wish application.

Pulmonary fibrosis — Scarring in the lungs that makes them stiff. Leads to worsening breathing over time. Automatically qualifies for Make-A-Wish.

Pulmonary hypertension — High blood pressure inside the blood vessels of the lungs. Automatically qualifies for Make-A-Wish when active and on treatment.

Surfactant protein dysfunction — A group of genetic conditions affecting surfactant production. Automatically qualifies for Make-A-Wish.

Tracheostomy (Trach) — A surgical opening in the neck creating a direct airway. Automatically qualifies for Make-A-Wish when placed for chronic breathing failure.

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This information is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of your child’s healthcare provider.