Research shows that granting a heartfelt wish provides children and their families with positivity and resilience, enabling them to better cope with negative experiences.
Referral
It all begins with the referral. Anyone aged 16 or older can refer a child: parents, guardians, family members, friends, doctors, teachers, neighbors, and more. If the child meets the medical eligibility criteria, we will contact the parent(s) or guardian(s) to start their Wish Journey.
Wish Discovery
The wish child is encouraged to dream and imagine their ultimate wish in a creative way. Next, two volunteers will visit the child at home for a wish-discovery interview. These Wish Grantors get to know the child better and embark together on an inspiring journey of discovery to find the heartfelt wish we can fulfill.
Wish Design
Armed with the insights from the Wish-Discovery interview, the Wish Maker sets to work, planning the entire Wish Journey down to the very last detail. This extraordinary journey unfolds in several stages: the preparation and anticipation, the wish fulfillment itself, and the long-lasting joy of looking back with a personalized photo album. Everything is custom-made and fully tailored to the wish child for an unforgettable experience.
Preparation & Anticipation
Through creative Wish activities in the months leading up to the wish fulfillment, the wish child enjoys multiple positive experiences and becomes fully prepared for the big day. The wish child’s family is closely involved as well, allowing them to share in the excitement and create positive memories together.
Wish Realisation
The Wish realisation revolves entirely around the child’s heartfelt wish, putting the child center stage – not their illness. Everything is custom-made, giving the wish child a boost of resilience, positivity, and a sense of control during an uncertain time.
Two Wish grantors are present during the wish fulfillment to ensure everything runs smoothly and to take care of every detail, allowing the family to fully live in the moment and enjoy this unforgettable experience.
Wish Effect
The Wish Grantors capture the most beautiful moments for a special photo album, which is sent to the family a few weeks later. In this way, the Wish Journey creates a prolonged period of positive emotions and strength, empowering the wish child and their family for the future.
Frequently asked questions
Anyone aged 16 or older can refer a seriously ill child. Together with the child’s parents, we will then determine whether the child meets the medical eligibility criteria. To ensure we operate in a medically responsible manner, we also always require a referral from an involved healthcare professional.
Unfortunately, no. A child can be referred up until the final day they are seventeen years old. If the child meets the medical eligibility criteria and was seventeen at the time of referral, we will still kickstart their Wish Journey. This means we will continue the Wish Journey even if the child turns eighteen during the process. Because we are a children’s charity, our upper age limit for referrals is seventeen.
A healthcare professional who is involved in the child’s treatments and hospital admissions. Examples include a child life specialist (medical pediatric care provider), a doctor, a nurse, and a nurse practitioner.
