How did Make-A-Wish begin?

In 1980, a seven-year-old Phoenix boy with leukemia inspired the founding of the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. A group of officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety granted this child's wish to be a police officer by giving him a custom-made uniform, helmet, and badge, and even a helicopter ride! The joy that this experience brought that child inspired the group to form an organization that would grant special wishes of other children.

How are you structured?

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America was founded to charter local chapters throughout the United States and its territories. Today there are 76 U.S. chapters and 27 international affiliates on five continents. Each chapter raises and spends its own funds, granting wishes to eligible children within its own territory. Each chapter also hosts families from other states.

When was the New Hampshire chapter created?

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire was formed in 1986 and granted itsfirst wish in 1987. The Foundation has a 15-member Executive Board, five staff members, and a broad network of volunteers and donors. Our goal is to make wishes come true for all of New Hampshire's eligible children.

How many children has the New Hampshire chapter served?

The New Hampshire Chapter has brought joy to close to 600 children!

What are the most popular wishes?

Over 50% of New Hampshire's wish requests are to visit the theme parks in Florida. But wishes are as individual as the children themselves. Some wishes are as expansive as a trip to see cheetahs play in the wild or as simple as a picnic on the beach.

How many wishes are granted each year?

This year, our chapter anticipates we will grant 70 wishes for New Hampshire children. We also host additional families from other states visiting New Hampshire for their wish experience. The New Hampshire International Speedway is a popular wish request for children who wish to meet their favorite race car driver. Nationally, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has granted more than 110,000 wishes, and currently grants more than 12,000 wishes a year. The program is vast, but so is the need.

How old must a child be to have a wish granted?

A child must be between the ages of 2˝ and under 18 at the time of the referral.

What children are eligible?

Children over 2˝ and under the age of 18 who have been diagnosed by their physician as having a life-threatening medical condition are eligible for a wish. More detailed guidelines on eligibility are provided to medical professionals upon request. Make-A-Wish grants wishes regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status. No eligible child has ever been denied a wish or placed on a waiting list.

Who makes a wish referral?

Approximately half of all wish referrals are initiated by healthcare professionals, with the other half started by friends, relatives and other wish families. If the initial call comes from someone other than the parent, guardian, or health care professional, we ask the caller to share our mission with the family being referred, and to encourage the family to call directly on behalf of their own child.

How does someone make a wish referral?

To refer a child, please call our office at (603) 623-9474 or contact us via e-mail at Elizabeth.Schulte@newhampshire.wish.org.

Does the family's financial status matter?

No. Economic background has no bearing on whether a child is eligible for a wish.

What if a family does not want publicity?

We respect and protect a child's and family's right to privacy. Publicity will never be sought without permission, and a family may decline publicity at any time. A child's name, medical information, or wish experience will never be used for publicity purposes without the explicit permission of the parents.

Do you sponsor chain letters?

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® does not participate in chain letters, telemarketing, door to door solicitation or other direct solicitation of wishes.