Make-A-Wish Colorado creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We're on a quest to grant the wish of every eligible child because research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness.
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Since 1983, Make-A-Wish Colorado has enriched the lives of children with critical illnesses. Wishes have a life-changing impact on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.
Make-A-Wish Colorado is an affiliate of the largest wish-granting organization in the world. There are 62 Make-A-Wish chapters located throughout the U.S. and 40 International Make-A-Wish affiliates located on five continents. Since its inception in 1980, more than 285,000 wishes have been granted, with a wish being granted every 34 minutes somewhere in the world.
To qualify for a wish, the child must be older than 2.5 years old and younger than 18 (at the time of referral) and must not have received a wish from another wish-granting organization. A child can be referred to Make-A-Wish by a parent or guardian, a medical professional or by the child. Following referral, a physician must certify that the child has a life-threatening medical condition. There are no other qualifications based on sex, race, religion, socioeconomic status or any other demographic category.
Children's wishes typically fall into four categories: I Wish To Be, I Wish To Meet, I Wish To Have or I Wish To Go.
The Make-A-Wish mission and message are about the life-affirming, hope-giving aspects of the wish experience. We never use the words "terminal" or "dying" to refer to a wish child, nor do we unduly emphasize a child's illness, medical treatment or death.
This was a very special trip for our family. It was a blessing in so many ways. Validation of our daily struggles as a family fighting Biliary Atresia. For Austan, it strengthened her self-image. This gift is a treasure of the heart and it meant so much in the coming journey for Austan in memories.
-MarDee, wish mom to Austan
This was an absolute amazing memory for our daughter. Thank you Make-A-Wish. You have given our daughter and entire family an amazing gift. It has changed us all forever. Without this trip we would not have the courage to move forward.
-Antoinette, wish mom to Veronica
Make-A-Wish provided an incredible experience to a child and her family who have been through so much this past year. The wish was a celebration of life after a year and a half of pain and restriction. I applaud the foundation and feel humbled by the generosity of others that allowed this wish to take place.
-Sharon, wish mom to Summer
I want to thank you for the spark that is rekindled in his soul. His health is a daily joy to our family. It was more than the week at Disney World, but a celebration of Angelo and who he is regardless of his illness. Make-A-Wish allowed him a view of himself without the disease. -Niccole, wish mom to Angelo
