For a child whose wish is about to be granted, the pain and discomfort of the illness and often harsh treatment regimes somehow become more bearable. For many, the excitement of planning and anticipating their dream has a dramatic effect on their healing. These courageous youngsters often experience a renewed sense of energy and hope as they see a different kind of light at the end of the tunnel.

Any child residing in Canada between the ages of three and seventeen who has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness qualifies for a wish. This illness must be verified by the child's treating physician.

Most referrals come from parents, family members or the network of doctors, nurses and social workers engaged with the child. Referrals can also come from child-life specialists, friends, the potential wish child; other wish families, community or support organizations, school teachers or caregivers.

Wishes vary in expense by virtue of their variety and complexity. For example, a travel wish generally involves transportation and accommodations for the entire family as well as meals and expenses. In addition, any necessary medical expenses such as wheelchairs, respirators and even medical attendants are covered.

Administration costs are necessary to run a national organization; however, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada is committed to keeping these costs to a minimum. Hard-working volunteers across the country make it possible for the Foundation to keep costs below 14% of revenue.

The wish truly belongs to the child. Their family becomes involved in the discussions and they are able to focus together on the anticipation of a happy experience.

Our most popular wishes include: travel, entertainment centers, computer systems and meeting celebrities.

The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada does not participate in chain letters or other direct solicitation of wishes. Every day, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada's Chapters receive inquiries regarding chain letters claiming to be associated with "Children's Wish." As a matter of policy The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada does not conduct these types of wishes including using the Internet and e-mail requests.

Please reply to the sender and inform them that The Children's Wish Foundation does not participate in these kinds of wishes. Refer the sender and all recipients to this (web) page. Please do not forward the chain letter.

We have no waiting list. We're ready to grant a child's wish, as soon as medical approval is received. Given the logistics involved, most wishes take a few weeks to arrange. However, in an emergency situation we can fulfill a wish in a matter of days.

The life-threatening illnesses most often suffered by our children are leukemia, Cystic Fibrosis and brain tumors.

Children's Wish granted over 900 individual wishes last year. Since our founding in 1984, we're granted more than 18,000 wishes to Canadian children