Make-A-Wish is a non-profit organization that works to fulfill the wishes of children living with critical illnesses. Currently, Make-A-Wish International serves children outside the United States in fifty countries and has forty affiliates serving children on six continents. Make-A-Wish Austria aims to fulfill the wishes of children who are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases. Make-A-Wish Austria works to do everything in its power to grant the wish of every eligible child and will continue doing so in 2023.

Grant life-changing wishes

The importance of wishgranting

Oftentimes, when a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, it brings emotional and physical challenges for the whole family. The treatment procedure can be long and draining and everyone is longing for some good news.
Make-A-Wish aims to find and fulfill the wish of every child living with a critical illness. This provides them with a ray of hope in their gloomy days. It serves as a day in which their deepest wish comes to life and giving them this joy serves as a significant part in their fight against their illness. 

The Wish Journey process at Make-A-Wish Austria

The Wish Journey process is very simple and fun. Firstly, a child living with a critical illness gets referred to Make-A-Wish Austria. Parents, guardians, medical professionals currently treating the child, or any family member who is familiar with the child’s medical history can refer them.
After that, Make-A-Wish Austria will check the eligibility of the child and their medical condition is confirmed by a medical professional. Once that’s done, Make-A-Wish Austria starts working capturing the child’s wish which can be anything from meeting with a celebrity, going to a certain place, wanting to be someone for a day, or getting a certain item. Wishgranters work with the child and their family to design the child’s wish and build anticipation. The child’s schedule is coordinated with the treating doctor, and without putting any burden on the family, Make-A-Wish Austria makes the wish come true. After the wish has been granted, the ‘wish effect’ continues in the form of happy memories and shared experiences.

“I wish to have a room makeover”. Niklas, 15, Austria, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Niklas had to go through very difficult times because of his cancer. His mother promised, as a reward for going through chemotherapy, a bigger room. This is what Niklas wished for with all his heart, but under one condition: to make it completely new. For Niklas’ wish day, the walls were repainted and new furniture was added. These renovations were particularly important because they symbolized a new start for Niklas. Now he had a new bed and closet, and a fully customized set according to the I5-year-old’s wish list. Niklas was full of anticipation with every new piece of furniture. After completion, Niklas took a picture to thank the Make-A-Wish team and supporters for his beautiful room makeover!

Eligible wish children

Children living with a life-threatening condition in Austria may be considered eligible for Make-A-Wish Austria. Children must at least 3 years of age but have not yet turned 18. Medical eligibility is ensured by confirming the medical condition from the child’s current treating physician. If the illness is classified as critical or life-threatening according to Make-A-Wish Austria’s medical criteria, the child may be deemed eligible for a wish.

Give hope and donate today

Since Make-A-Wish Austria is a non-profit organization, it works with the help of volunteers and local communities. Most of the funds for each wish are from collecting donations. Hence, each of your donations will help a child in their treatment journey. Click the donate button  below to make a once off or monthly donation and select your chosen Make-A-Wish Affiliate. Hopefully, with your help, Make-A-Wish Austria will continue giving hope to children living with critical illnesses.

How can I refer a child to Make-A-Wish Austria?

Do you know a child who is living with a critical illness? You can refer a child by contacting Make-A-Wish Austria through email, phone, or through the online signup form. You can refer any child who fits their eligibility criteria, which are:

Children must be aged between 2½ and 18 years old.
The child’s disease must be marked as critical by their doctor or other medical professional.

Any child that fits these criteria is eligible to apply for the Wish Journey at Make-A-Wish Austria. You can refer a child, whether you are the parent, family member, teacher, doctor or friend.

How can I become part of the Wish Journey at Make-A-Wish Austria?

There are different ways in which you can be involved with the Wish Journey at Make-A-Wish Austria. The first way is to become a wish granter. In this role, you visit the wish child and get to know their personality to make sure their dearest wish comes to life. Additionally, you are responsible for implementing the wish and staying in touch with the parents. You can also choose to become part of a Fundraising teams of Make-A-Wish Austria. In this role, you collect donations in various ways, such as a sponsor activity or run a bake sale. Finally you can also make a donation.

What is the impact of granting wishes by Make-A-Wish Austria?

Make-A-Wish Austria transforms the lives of children living with a critical illness, who are from Austria. By organizing the Wish Journey, Make-A-Wish Austria shows these children that the seemingly impossible, is indeed possible. The aim of the Wish Journey is to spread hope, strength and joy amongst children who are living with a critical illness and their families. The Wish Journey enables them to create precious memories that will last forever. Having the experience of the Wish Journey transforms the lives of the children and has the chance to impact their emotional wellbeing positively.

What does the wish granting process look like at Make-Wish Austria?

Right after you refer a child to Make-A-Wish Austria, they will contact you and inquire about the most important information. Such as the child’s name, age, condition and any availability. During this, you get the chance to ask any questions you may have beforehand. When eligibility is confirmed, one of our wish granters will contact the child and family and make the first appointment. This phase is called ‘Wish Capture’.

During the first appointment the child and family will discuss the content on the wish, during the Wish Design. Next the family will await the actual wish to take place during the Wish Anticipation phase. This phase is followed by the day the actual wish is granted, called the ‘Wish Realization.’ Finally, the child and family experience the positive impact of the Wish Effect.