What types of wishes are granted? Most of the wishes fall into one of four categories: destination (I want to go. .), occupation (I want to be. . ), celebrity (I want to meet. .) or special gift (I want to have. .)
What are the qualifications?
That the child has reached the age of 2 1/2 and is under the age of 18
That the child has a life-threatening medical condition i.e. a progressive, degenerative or malignant medical condition that has placed the child's life in jeopardy
That the child has never had a wish granted before
What is the Visitors Program?
We welcome approximately 600 children from all over the world each year who have made a wish to visit Hawaii. These wishes are coordinated by Hawaii staff and volunteers, but they are funded by the chapter or affiliate in the child's state or country of origin, so that we can proudly say that all money raised in Hawaii stays in Hawaii to grant wishes for Hawaii children. We give each one of these kids the same kind of special attention, unique experience, grand adventure and aloha that we give our own kids and that our kids receive from Make-A-Wish volunteers all over the world. A big "mahalo" to the businesses and individuals who are part of the Hawaii visitor industry and provide valuable in-kind contributions of time, services and materials.
Tuan, Kevin and Anthony are brothers who suffer from the same rare disease, HyperIgM. When they found out that they could each have a wish, they thought long and hard about what they wanted. Both Tuan and Anthony wanted new computers. But, not just any computer, a sophisticated one for gaming. Tuan presented a list of specifications for his new toy, while Anthony just wanted something "cool". Each of them were presented with cutting-edge desktop computers in their favorite colors. Kevin opted for a wish that took him to visit family in Connecticut to see snow for the very first time. He enjoyed playing in the snow with his brothers and cousins and also sped down the mountainside in a rubber inner tube. In addition to all the snow activities, the family took a day trip to neighboring New York City and visited the Statue of Liberty. All three boys were ecstatic to have had their individual wishes granted in a special way!