The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida is part of the nation’s largest and most well established wish-granting organization, with chapters and volunteers throughout the U.S. and abroad. We draw on that strength as well as our vast local network to make each child’s wish a vivid, memorable reality.

The magic of a wish come true is felt by everyone involved, from the social workers who refer the child to the doctors who qualify them to the pair of volunteers who carry out our mission.

How does this magic happen? Here is the anatomy of a wish come true:

We receive a referral
Anyone can refer a child - generally, referrals are made by health care professionals. However, if you know of a child who would qualify to have a wish come true, contact us.

Doctors qualify the child
After a child is referred to us, we contact the child's doctor and ask them if the child has a life-threatening medical condition. Once we receive this qualification (and the child is between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18, never had a wish granted before and is living or being treated in Southern Florida), the child is ready to select their wish.

Volunteers meet the child
A pair of Volunteer Wish Granters visit with the child to determine their wish. Sometimes, the child can identify their wish right away. Most often, it will take multiple visits by the Wish Granters before the child finally decides.

Arrangements are made for the wish to come true
Whether the child wishes to be something, meet someone, travel somewhere or have something, our volunteers and Make-A-Wish staff plan all of the details of that wish.

The wish comes true!
Whatever the wish might be, the wish experience creates a treasure chest full of memories from which a family can draw strength in the midst of an otherwise difficult time.

Thank yous are sent
Generous donors are thanked and paperwork is completed.