As the parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, I joined an online support community of people with CF and parents of people with CF. There has been some talk there lately about the Make a Wish Foundation. Children with CF are eligible for Make a Wish because it is a chronic, life-threatening condition. However, as the median life expectancy grows for those with CF (from age 8 in 1950 to age 37 today), parents are trying to decide at what age to have their child receive her wish.
Choosing just one wish out of the millions of things a child wants on any given day is a difficult task. However, usually a young child will have a favorite character or activity and that will be the inspiration behind her wish. The younger the child is, however, the more assistance the parents must give in the decision making process.
Many families of young children choose to go to Disney World or Disney Land for their wish. The best part about this wish is that the entire family gets to experience it. As a group, you get to take a vacation you probably can’t afford due to medical expenses. You get to relax, have fun and make great family memories. The downside is that your child might be too young to appreciate or remember the wish or the trip. This is true for any wish a young child makes. Eventually she will grow out of it and her new wish may be that you, as parents, had waited until she was older to let her decide what she wanted for her wish.
Older children, especially teenagers have the benefit of fully understanding that their wish is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thanks to this awareness, they can make a more informed decision. The downside is that they may choose something that no one else in the family can participate in. While this is perfectly fine, since it is the child’s wish, other children in the family will feel left out and jealous. However, the child receiving the wish will be able to take the memory of it with her through her life, as she is old enough to remember and appreciate the wish. You should also take into account your child’s health. If her condition is progressive, as CF is, her health status may change as she gets older and it may be more difficult to travel.
Either way, the decision should ultimately be the child’s. While as a parent, you may feel you deserve a break (and you do), this particular wish is for your child to take her away from all of her differences, stresses, doctors, and medical procedures. It is her chance to be a “normal” child and enjoy life. So no matter what the wish, and at what age she receives it, respect it and watch her shine.