Referral Source Guide

Medical Professionals' Referral Process

The Make-A-Wish Foundation depends on medical professionals to refer patients who can benefit from the magic of a wish. We could not reach as many children as we do each year without the support of our hospitals, medical centers, and medical personnel who refer their patients.

How do I know who I should refer for a wish?

Please refer to the list of qualifying medical conditions as a guide of the type of medical conditions that qualify for a wish.  Since the doctor makes the final determination whether or not a child qualifies, you should feel comfortable referring any child you feel might qualify for a wish.

Don't families already know about the Foundation?

While many people have heard about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, there are many others, especially families who have only been in the United States for 1-2 generations, who are not familiar with our Foundation. You may be telling them about the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the first time. Those who have heard about our organization may have the misconception that we only fulfill wishes for "dying" or "terminal" children or for families with a socio-economic need.

How should I tell the family about the Make-A-WIsh Foundation?

Before making the referral, we encourage you to inform the child's parents/guardians that you intend to refer their child. You can simply tell them that the Make-A-Wish Foundation is an organization that has worked for the past 25 years to fulfill the one most heartfelt wish of every child under the age of 18 who has a life-threatening medical condition, regardless of any other factors. You should also keep informational materials from our office on hand to provide to the families.

While you are discussing the work of our Foundation, we encourage you to keep explainations about our wish granting work as broad as possible so that the children can continue to expand the reaches of their imagination.  Telling the child that he or she can "get a computer or a shopping spree," for example, may narrow the scope of things they may think of for their wish experience.

If you are a medical professional interested in referring a patient please contact the Los Angeles chapter wish-granting department at 310-788-9474 to begin the referral process, or submit your referral online.

Downloadable Resources
List of Qualifying Medical Conditions