Kids Wish Network

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Kids Wish Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.[1]

The charity was founded in 1997 by Shelley and Mark Breiner after the loss of Shelley's father to cancer, and was inspired by the many youth cancer patients Shelley met during her father's chemotherapy treatments. The Kids Wish Network operates out of a single office in Holiday, Florida.

Contents

[edit] Wishes

To qualify for a wish, a child must have a life-threatening medical condition.[2] Similar organizations require that a doctor sign a document stating that the child will not live beyond the age of 18, but the Kids Wish Network does not carry this requirement.[3].

The most common wishes granted by the organization are Florida theme park trips,[4] although celebrities are also in high demand as people that children want to meet. Actress Idina Menzel[5] and Country Singer George Strait[6] have both played a role in wishes granted.

[edit] Additional services

Kids Wish Network also offers a funeral assistance program to aid the families of wish kids who have passed away. Sick children receive the opportunity to celebrate holidays throughout the year through their Holiday of Hope program.[7] The organization also sponsors a Hero of the Month program to lift the spirits of pediatric patients.[8][9]

[edit] Concerns and Controversy

Due to their high expense to spend rate, Kids Wish Network is frequently identified as a low graded charity by local[10][11] and national organizations[12].

[edit] Partners

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ Kids Wish Network Frequently Asked Questions
  2. ^ Wish makers delight Wellington boy
  3. ^ Kids Wish Network - How We Are Different
  4. ^ Kids Wish Network grants wishes
  5. ^ An Enchanted Wish | Kids Wish Network Blog
  6. ^ Kids Wish Network grants wishes
  7. ^ Kids Wish Network Overview
  8. ^ Vail Colorado-Todays information & news from Vail Daily - News
  9. ^ Lebanon Reporter - Girl tested by adversity given 'hero' award
  10. ^ Kids Wish Network Gets an F
  11. ^ Kids Wish Network Scam?
  12. ^ Kids Wish Network Expense Concerns
  13. ^ Kids Wish Network - Our Partners