LAS VEGAS, Nev – (June 10, 2025) – Make-A-Wish has consistently demonstrated a profound dedication to transforming the lives of children with critical illnesses. Throughout Nevada, across the nation and around the world, the organization has brought hope and joy to countless critically ill children and their families.
According to a 2025 Make-A-Wish study, a large majority of Make-A-Wish alumni, parents and medical providers overwhelmingly agreed that the wish experience contributed substantially to physical, mental and emotional health and was a necessary part of the medical treatment journey; it improved the odds of survival; it provided a support system and better health outcomes; and wishes gave the child a better chance of recovering from their critical illness.
“We know nationally every 33 minutes a wish is granted. That takes financial resources, it takes volunteers, it takes corporate involvement, in other words it takes a community. Here in Nevada – time-after-time and wish-after-wish – our community has demonstrated its willingness to come together to help Make-A-Wish make these life-changing wishes a reality,” said Scott Rosenzweig, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish Nevada.
According to Rosenzweig, this commitment to making wishes come true for Nevada’s critically ill children has taken on even more momentum since the organization reunited its Northern and Southern chapters in 2024, forming, for the second time in its history, Make-A-Wish Nevada. “This reunification after 28 years as separate entities allows us to serve wish kids across the entire state with more consistency, efficiency and unity,” said Rosenzweig, who is often asked how wishes are granted.
Turning Wishes into Reality Begins with a Referral
The fulfillment of every Make-A-Wish wish – whether skating with the Vegas Golden Knights, a Disney World trip, a princess party or an accessible shower, among others – begins with a referral generally from a doctor, nurse, parent or a social worker who recognizes that a child may be eligible.
Every child who receives a wish goes through a careful eligibility process. To be eligible, a child must be between two-and-one-half to 18 years old and be diagnosed with a critical illness: a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that is currently placing their life in jeopardy, even with adherence to a treatment plan. This determination is made with input from the child’s treating physician or medical team. A child does not have to be considered terminally ill, which is a major misconception. In addition, a child must not have received a wish from another wish-granting organization.
Make-A-Wish Nevada makes it easy for those referring a critically ill child for a wish via an online form requesting basic medical and personal information at www.wish.org/refer-a-child Anyone submitting a referral must first secure verbal consent from the child’s legal guardian. The referral process usually takes a little over two weeks.
Once a referral is submitted, Make-A-Wish works closely with the child’s medical professionals to confirm eligibility. Every step is taken with care and compassion, keeping the child’s well-being and family’s comfort at the forefront.
“There are hundreds of children in Nevada battling critical illnesses who are eligible but have not been referred,” said Rosenzweig. “A timely referral can mean the difference between a child missing out or receiving a wish that can bring them hope. When children are diagnosed with a critical illness, so much of normal childhood is taken away from them. Their lives are consumed by doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and uncertainty. Wishes have been shown to bring lasting positive impacts to children facing critical illnesses, including improved physical and mental wellbeing, and it gives them a vision of what’s possible.”
Since 1982, Make-A-Wish Nevada has granted the wishes of more than 2,800 critically ill children. There are roughly 250 kids across Nevada currently waiting for their wishes to be granted. To volunteer, donate or find another way to help, click here.
About Make-A-Wish Nevada
Make-A-Wish® Nevada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, empowering them with hope and strength. Established in 1982, Make-A-Wish® Nevada was originally split into Northern and Southern Nevada in 1996 but reunified as one chapter in 2024 to better serve the entire state. Over the years, more than 2,800 wishes have been granted to children across Nevada. Supported by generous donors, volunteers, and community partners, Make-A-Wish® Nevada is part of a national network that has collectively granted more than 390,000 wishes through its 57 chapters across the U.S. For more information, visit wish.org/nv
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Media Contact:
Melissa Warren, The Warren Group: melissa@twgpr.com; 702-528-6016
