What types of wishes are granted? Most of the wishes fall into one of four categories: destination (I want to go. .), occupation (I want to be. . ), celebrity (I want to meet. .) or special gift (I want to have. .)
What are the qualifications?
That the child has reached the age of 2 1/2 and is under the age of 18
That the child has a life-threatening medical condition i.e. a progressive, degenerative or malignant medical condition that has placed the child's life in jeopardy
That the child has never had a wish granted before
What is the Visitors Program?
We welcome approximately 600 children from all over the world each year who have made a wish to visit Hawaii. These wishes are coordinated by Hawaii staff and volunteers, but they are funded by the chapter or affiliate in the child's state or country of origin, so that we can proudly say that all money raised in Hawaii stays in Hawaii to grant wishes for Hawaii children. We give each one of these kids the same kind of special attention, unique experience, grand adventure and aloha that we give our own kids and that our kids receive from Make-A-Wish volunteers all over the world. A big "mahalo" to the businesses and individuals who are part of the Hawaii visitor industry and provide valuable in-kind contributions of time, services and materials.
Lucas, like most five year olds, is very interested in Disney. So, when asked what he wanted for his wish, he requested one of the most popular wish destinations...Disney World. Lucas and his family spent Spring Break in sunny Florida visiting the various Disney theme parks and meeting the many Disney characters. They had opportunity to enjoy the neighboring attractions, as well. The family was incredibly moved by the kindness and generosity of the staff and volunteers at Give Kids the World and mentioned that everyone recognized the Make-A-Wish logo and treated Lucas fabulously. Thanks to the generosity of sponsor Pacific Rebekah Lodge IOOF, Lucas and his family enjoyed the wish of a lifetime.