Frequently Asked Questions

Here are just a few questions that are commonly asked. Please contact us if you have a question that's not answered below.

Question: What age children do you serve?
Answer: Children ages 3 thru 21.

Question: Does a child have to be diagnosed with a terminal illness to get a wish?
Answer: Absolutely not! Wishes Can Happen hopes that all children will recover from their illness!

Question: What types of illnesses are covered?
Answer: Covered illnesses include all cancers, many heart defects, cystic fibrosis, organ transplants, dialysis, Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy and many others.  Wishes are also done for some chronic diseases such as spina bifada and cerebral palsy if they are combined with conditions a doctor considers life threatening.

Question: What area in Ohio do you service?
Answer: Wishes Can Happen serves the northeast Ohio area, focusing on Stark County.

Question: Is there an income limit on the family receiving the wish?
Answer: No.

Question: What kind of things do kids wish for?
Answer: Disney trips continue to be the most popular trip. However, we have had children visit dude ranches in Montana and Colorado, and play golf in Hawaii. We have restored an old farm tractor, arranged shopping sprees in New York, Columbus and Cleveland, remodeled bedrooms and purchased computer equipment. If they can wish it, we can make it happen!

Question: Are there any wish requests that are "turned down"?
Answer: We do not purchase motorized vehicles, build pools and other certain requests. Also, we must receive approval from the child's physician for the requested wish to confirm that they will not be harmed by their wish.

Question: Is a donation to your organization tax deductible?
Answer: Yes! We are registered as a Not for Profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Question: Is there a "waiting period" for a child to receive a wish?
Answer: No. Wishes begin coordination as quickly as they are received. The wish request and child's condition typically determine how much lead time is required to complete and/or fulfill a wish.

Question: Can I refer a child to you?
Answer: Yes, please! Go to the Refer a Child page and submit the form on that page.

Ready to become a volunteer?

Let us know how you would like to help and we'll try to match you to some of our wish-granting opportunities!