About the Author: Victor Fichman
Reston, VA
+1 571-490-3390
Victor is not just our one of our fearless leaders, site coder, article writer, and dishwasher here at SplendidFoods.com.
He was allowed the privilege of volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Western North Carolina® where he fulfilled a variety of roles including: Wish Granter for 50 wishes over 10 years, Speakers Bureau Member & Fund-raiser, Kids-for-Wish Kids Presenter and served as a Greensboro (NC) Group Leader.
He also created their first website (www.ncwish.org®) in 1998, and served as volunteer webmaster until 2006.
While he's not currently active with Make-A-Wish®, the Foundation remains near and dear to his heart.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of America®
What the Foundation Does
Any child between the ages of at least 2 1/2 years old, and younger than 18 years of age at the time of referral is potentially eligible for a wish. Make-A-Wish® works with the child's treating physician to determine their eligibility for a wish (e.g. suffering from a progressive, degeneration or malignant condition placing the child's life in jeopardy).
Currently Make-A-Wish® grants on average a wish every 34 minutes! Wishes matter because time and again Doctors, Nurses, and all the associated Wish Recipients Health Care Providers report they've observed that their patients feel better emotionally and even physically after receiving a wish. And their parents and families benefit as well - having received a break from what can be an unrelenting series of appointments, treatments, medicines and all the emotional turmoil that comes with having a critically ill family member.
What Do Wish Recipients Wish For?
Wishes fall into five main areas: I wish to be; I wish to give; I wish to go; I wish to have; and I wish to meet. In 2016 Make-A-Wish® granted more than 15,300 wishes. Since 1980 more than 285,000 children in the United States and its' territories have had their wishes come true thanks to Make-A-Wish®! Nearly 50% of all wishes involve the Walt Disney Company. Visit the WISH STORIES page posted on the national Make-A-Wish Foundation® website to view some truly inspiring tales.
Who Can Refer a Child?
Any medical professional can refer a child. The usual channels include a doctor, nurse, social worker or child-life specialist. The parents or legal guardian of a potential wish kid can apply. Even a potential wish kid can get in touch with us. Make-A-Wish® will only contact you when a wish referral has been submitted by an approved source! *Important* Make-A-Wish® does NOT cold call or telemarket at all!
For an online Make-A-Wish® referral form CLICK HERE
For the latest news and information from the Make-A-Wish® check the below news ticker.