At 2 am this morning, I was unable to sleep. I’ve got many things on my mind and I couldn’t shutdown. One of those things weighing heavy was this whole Make-A-Wish thing for Gavin.

I began the process after Gavin’s immunologist suggested we apply last year.

The process halted for a variety of reasons, but two reasons created the most friction.

The first of which was Gavin didn’t want to do anything. If he was unwilling to participate, there’s no point in continuing.

The second reason was more emotional on my part. Knowing your child qualifies for Make-A-Wish is a doubled edged sword. On the one hand, it’s such an amazing opportunity for Gavin. On the other hand, he qualified in the first place.

To qualify, things have to be serious about his health. Applying seemed to make that fact, so much more real, and accepting that is a bitter pill.

Having said that, Gavin has since changed his stance, and at last check, he wanted to go to Lego Land. He’s going to be 18 years old this January, and if we don’t act now, he may miss the opportunity altogether.

Last night, or rather very early this morning, I sent the information back to Make-A-Wish on Gavin’s behalf. It was a sobering moment for me as a father, but Gavin deserves this, I won’t be the reason he misses out.

Below is the information needed from me:

Dear Rob, 

Thank you for your inquiry into Make-A-Wish.  Our mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. 

Make-A-Wish has specific medical guidelines and eligibility requirements. Our criteria states that it is not the disease or condition itself that qualifies the child, but the fact that, at the time of referral, the disease or condition has placed the child’s life in jeopardy.  We work individually with each child’s specialist to determine whether a child’s condition will qualify for a wish. Please discuss our eligibility requirements (below) with the child’s specialist (one they see on a regular basis for their life-threatening condition) before starting the referral process. 

Eligibility Requirements: 
1. The child must be between the age of 2 ½ and 18. (Must be referred prior to their 18th birthday) 
2. Currently have a life-threatening medical condition. 
3. Have not been previously granted a wish from Make-A-Wish or any other major wish granting organization. 

Once you have spoken with your child’s physician and they feel that your child’s condition meets our medical guidelines please respond with the following information: 
• Child’s name 
• Child’s DOB 
• Child’s medical conditions 
• Current life-threatening complications 
• Child’s treating physician and their location 
• Child’s parent/legal guardian name and contact number 

If you are not a family member or a medical professional, please be sure the child’s family is aware of your inquiry and provide the above information to the parents or guardians of the child. 

If the child’s condition does not look like he or she will meet this criterion, please let us know and we can provide a list of other organizations which may be able to assist. 

If you have questions, please feel free to contact our office at 877-206-9474. 

With sincerest regards,