Introduction
Remember what it was like to be young and to dream? Anything seemed possible! All children deserve the chance to see their fondest wish come true-- and who is more deserving than a child living with a life-threatening illness?
Who is eligible?
The Foundation will consider the wish of any child with a life-threatening medical condition who lives anywhere in the state of Colorado and who has reached the age of 2-1/2 but has not yet had their 18th birthday. A child can be referred to Make-A-Wish by parents, guardians, medical professionals and social workers or by the child themselves. We work closely with the child's doctor in determining medical eligibility. To refer a child for a wish, call us at (303) 750-9474 or (800) 366-9474 toll-free in Colorado.
Types of Wishes
Wishes generally fall into four categories:
- Travel Wishes: "I wish to go . . ."
Travel wishes compose more than half of all wish requests at the Colorado chapter. The chapter provides everything the family will need on their trip - airfare, lodging, rental car, transportation and spending money to cover food, souvenirs, gas, parking and gratuity. Common travel destinations include Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Discovery Cove, Mall of America and Legoland.
- Gift Wishes: "I wish for. . ."
Gift wishes complete a child's wish to own something that will fulfill a special interest. Examples of gift wishes include computers, shopping sprees, swing sets or bedroom makeovers. Make-A-Wish does not grant wishes consisting of direct gifts of money.
- Celebrity Wishes: I wish to meet . . ."
Celebrity wishes are opportunities that bring together wish children and their celebrity or sports heroes. Celebrity wish experiences are as different as the celebrities themselves. Some celebrities spend individual time with the wish child while others hold group meetings with wish children from all over the country. Celebrity wishes often involve a lengthy waiting period since fulfillment of the wish is almost entirely dependent on the schedule of the celebrity. Recent celebrity wishes granted by the Colorado chapter include Jesse McCartney, Metallica, Wrestler - John Cena, Bon Jovi, Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Elway, Colorado Avalanche hockey team, Denver Broncos football team, Staind, Jeff Gordon, cast of Stargate and the People's Choice Awards.
- Occupational Wishes: "I wish to be . . ."
Occupational wishes are among the fewest received by the Colorado chapter. By their very nature, occupational wishes are often highly specialized and require assistance from professionals within the local community. Examples of occupational wishes fulfilled by Make-A-Wish include the wish to be a fireman, policeman, magazine editor, Rockies player for the day, Cadet for a day or a model.