Make-a Wish Los Angeles

Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization that fulfills the wishes of children between the age of 2 1/2 and 18 who confront critical medical conditions. 

Its goal is to be a unique part of the treatment process. While doctors provide the medicine, Make-A-Wish supplies the magical experience that helps its courageous wish children thrive. What makes the wish experience even more extraordinary is that it enriches the lives of all involved, from the children and their families, to the volunteers and sponsors, and often entire communities.

Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles is part of a national collection of independently chartered nonprofit organizations that are committed to a shared vision and mission. Make-A-Wish also has 39 international affiliates, which serve children in nearly 50 countries on five continents.

How does Make-A-Wish grant wishes?

Step 1: Referral
Make-A-Wish relies on medical professionals, parents and children themselves for referrals. Children who have reached the age of 2 1/2 and are under the age of 18 at the time of the referral--and have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization -- may be eligible.

Step 2: Medical Eligibility
The organization determines a child's medical eligibility with the help of the treating physician. The child must be diagnosed with a critical illness that has placed the child's life in jeopardy.

Step 3: The Wish
The organization sends one of its volunteer teams to learn the child's one true wish. 

Step 4: Creating Joy
The organization's wish granters create an unforgettable experience driven by the child's creativity. They strive to personalize each wish and make it match the wish kid's idea of a perfect day.