Axiel looks out to sea during his wish cruise. Maybe you’re asking, “Does my child qualify for a wish?” If you live in Central Florida (Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Indian River, Polk, Lake, Volusia, or Marion Counties), and fit the criteria below, your child would qualify for a wish.
1.The Wish Child must be nineteen years of age or younger. Children under the age of three will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
2.The Wish Child’s attending physician(s) must verify that the Wish Child has a life-threatening illness.A life-threatening illness is defined by New Hope for Kids as any illness, which will in all likelihood shorten that child’s life expectancy.Parents or guardians must provide a completed, witnessed physician verification when submitting the application.
NHFK frequently grants wishes to children with Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, etc. However, these disorders are accompanied by a physical problem such as pulmonary, heart, liver, kidney or another way their health has been compromised that qualifies them for a wish rather than a behavioral or mental challenge.
3.The Wish Child’s attending physician(s) must give medical approval in writing for a wish in order for New Hope for Kids to grant the request (included on Medical Acknowledgement Form).
4.Only one wish may be granted.New Hope for Kids does not grant wishes to a child who has previously received a wish from another wish-granting organization.New Hope for Kids has no obligation to consider applications in the order in which they are received.
If a child is non-verbal, parents are consulted to determine the wish in the child’s best interest.
New Hope for Kids Wish program is unique for the following reasons:
ØFOCUS
Unlike other wish-granting organizations, New Hope for Kids Wish Program is not affiliated with a national organization, but is an independent, locally based charity that focuses on Central Florida children. That means the money that is raised by Central Florida community members goes right back into our economy. New Hope for Kids does not receive funding from State, Federal or United Way sources.
ØFOLLOW-UP
Because our wish families live in the vicinity, New Hope for Kids is able to provide additional services and support beyond the wish itself. We call ourselves the New Hope Kids Family, because we join together for regular activities to have fun, share resources and provide emotional support. These activities are designed to prevent the isolation and sense of hopelessness that often accompanies grief and illness. Families help each other while forming lasting relationships.
ØFLEXIBILITY
New Hope for Kids is able to meet a wide spectrum of needs through wishes and community resources. We follow guidelines, but consider each wish on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the child’s best interests are being met.
If you know of a child with a life-threatening illness who would benefit from a wish, please call me at 407-331-3059 Ext. 14 and ask about New Hope for Kids Wishes.Applications may also be downloaded from our websitewww.newhopeforkids.org.