If you could wish for anything in the world, what would it be?

• Swim with dolphins

• Go on a cruise

• Meet your favourite TV star

This is a question posed to children with a neuromuscular condition by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an international not-for-profit organisation, granting wishes to seriously ill children. Hear about how your child or someone you know can receive a Wish as well as the impact it’s had on some of our community members.

“My wish was to swim with the dolphins which happened at Coffs Harbour. Make-A-Wish turned it into an animal experience (as I love animals) with a behind-the-scenes experience at Taronga Zoo as well. The whole experience is something my family and I still look back on with great memories.” - Amy

Who is eligible for a Wish

While it would be amazing if everyone could receive a Wish, Make-A-Wish does have strict eligibility requirements. As stated on their website these are:

• aged 3 - 18 years

• living in Australia

• experiencing a life-threatening illness or medical condition (including certain types of muscular dystrophy)

Children who have received a wish from a similar organisation (such as Starlight Foundation) are unfortunately ineligible to receive a Wish from Make-A-Wish.

How to get started on a Wish journey

A child can be referred to Make-A-Wish by either a parent/legal guardian, a friend or family member, a health or social care professional or even themselves. From here Make-A-Wish will get in contact as well as seek parental consent and clearance from the child’s medical team.

Then the fun begins! Make-A-Wish volunteers will meet with the child and family/friends discussing with the child what their wildest wish would be. Don’t worry though, your child doesn’t have to know straight away what their wish will be. Volunteers will learn what they love and craft a wish that is designed with that in mind.

Why do a Wish

A Wish is more than just the experience of the Wish itself. For many, it provides a welcome distraction from their life and medical treatment, something to look forward to. It is also an opportunity for families to spend time together and create memories, something that lasts way beyond the period of the Wish.

Here is what some of our community experienced with Make-A-Wish:

“Did a Royal Caribbean cruise to Tasmania, gained a newfound love of cruises and was able to access everything on the boat. This experience opened up a whole new world for me.” - Jaxon

“Make a Wish was a family cruise from Sydney to Hobart including a visit to a wildlife sanctuary. This experience was special as I have a love of Tasmanian devils and I went to a sanctuary for this specific interest.” - Ryan

“For my Make a Wish, I went to the Gold Coast and went to the theme parks with my family and best friend. It was such a great experience spending time with my family and getting to experience rides while I still could.” - Jamieson

For more information visit Make-A-Wish Australia’s website.

*The Loop is not associated or a partner of Make-A-Wish, we simply wish to share opportunities available to our community members