Disney World which is, in many ways, ideal, in that it provides a physically sheltered environment and a nearly surreal atmosphere which allows families to escape crushing realities, regroup and return refreshed and ready to resume the fight,” he says. Even the planning and anticipation of a trip can go a long way toward relieving stress and anxiety. According to a 2012 national ‘Wish Impact Study’, adult former wish kids, wish parents, and attending health professionals agree that the wish experience ✶C an improve overall physical health ✶C an mark a turning point in a child’s battle for health ✶M akes kids feel stronger and more energetic ✶H elps kids comply with difficult but vital treatments ✶M ay help save their lives (according to the majority of adult former wish kids) Krueger says Make-A-Wish’s vision is to grant a wish to every eligible child and, unlike many non-profit organizations, they have the means to make it happen. But referrals from healthcare professionals, one of the largest sources of new wish kids, lag behind the number of eligible children. Krueger suspects that it may be because too many are confused about the eligibility requirements. “A lot of people still think that we only serve kids who are terminally ill and that just creates unnecessary stress for families,” says Krueger, who calls health professionals “the eyes and ears of Make-A-Wish” in the community. Nationally, about 70 percent of wish recipients do go on to beat their illnesses. “Sometimes people will say that they don’t want to ‘take the opportunity away from another child’ by accepting a wish, but we work hard to have the funds to be able to grant the wish of every child who comes our way,” says Krueger. Individuals with direct knowledge of the child’s illness, including parents, family members, doctors, nurses, social workers, and even the sick children themselves can make a referral to Make-AWish, though a physician has to confirm that the child meets the criteria. To be eligible, a child must be between 2 ½ and 18-years-old and facing a life-threatening condition at the time of referral. Some of the most common conditions prompting Make-A-Wish referrals are cancer, heart conditions, cystic fibrosis, organ transplants and duchenne muscular dystrophy. Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or developmental or psychological disorders do not qualify. “Ideally, we like to have kids referred when they are right in the middle of battling their illness because that is when things can seem darkest and we can give them something to look forward to,” says Krueger. “We believe that every child with a life-threatening illness deserves the chance to have a life-changing experience.” ■
April / May 2015
MidwestMedicalEdition.com
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