Dear Parent,
New Hope for Kids grants wishes to children who live in Central Florida, are not yet 19 years of age who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. This does NOT necessarily mean that the child is currently terminally ill. A life-threatening illness is defined by NHFK as any illness which will in all likelihood shorten the child’s full life expectancy. Serious illness leaves little time or finances to accommodate a special wish, which could add something positive and encouraging to a child’s life. New Hope for Kids offers a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity to make that wish come true!
We realize that a life-threatening illness causes serious emotional and financial strain on the entire family. While we are not able to cure your child’s illness, we would like to brighten his/her life by making possible something he/she would like very much to have or do. It is important to us that the wish is the child’s wish, not something whose idea came from a parent or brother or sister. If a child’s wish is for a trip or to visit a place, we attempt to include the immediate family in the granting of the wish. We also hope that by granting the child’s wish we bring respite to the entire family. If a child is non-verbal, parents are consulted to determine the wish in the child’s best interest.
If you have a child who would like to be considered for New Hope’s Wishes for Kids, please complete the attached forms accompanied by the medical acknowledgment verifying that your child has a life-threatening illness and is medically cleared to receive the requested wish. It is crucial for the forms to be filled out completely including witness signatures and dates. Any adult present while you sign the forms can be a witness for your signature. A notary’s seal is not required. You may email to tezmon@newhopeforkids.org, fax the application to (407) 331-3063 or mail to New Hope for Kids at 544 Mayo Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751. Families are notified upon receipt of the application. A visit will be arranged between parent(s), child and the New Hope for Kids Wish Manager. New Hope for Kids’ goal is to grant 100% of all wish requests of children meeting established criteria. Please read the guidelines and criteria carefully for more information. New Hope for Kids reserves the right, however, to refuse a wish if the physician feels it is not in the best interest of the child or if the wish is beyond the scope of New Hope for Kids Wish abilities.
Sincerely,
Tezmon Oehler
Wish Program Director