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.
Six-year-old Deborah has multiple life-threatening medical conditions, including bouts of as many as 50 seizures a day. Because of her fragile condition, she needs to have oxygen available at all times. But the only seizure she seemed to have at Disneyland was one of joy and laughter when she met Donald Duck. She also met up with Snoopy at Knott's Berry Farm and spent a day at Sea World. Deborah and her family flew to California thanks to Hawaiian Island Homes who generously donate frequent flyer miles to Make-A-Wish, Hawaii. In spite of the many adversities, the family had a magical time and continue to maintain a positive attitude.