About Us

Mission

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Louisiana is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), volunteer organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. The Make-A-Wish Foundation strives to share the power of a wish® by involving the wish child's family, committed volunteers and generous community donors in the creation of life-long memories of laughter and smiles.

National History

The Make-A-Wish Foundation was inspired in 1980 by the love a family and friends had for a seven-year-old boy named Chris, who had leukemia. Chris dreamed of becoming a police officer, and his family and friends in the Arizona state highway patrol made his wish come true - complete with his own helmet, goggles, badge and a regulation uniform tailored especially for him. Chris' mother and those who helped to grant his wish created the Make-A-Wish Foundation in his memory, enabling his legacy to live on. Although the organization's founders initially intended to serve only the critically-ill children in the Phoenix area, public interest grew and people from all over the country began to ask how they could become part of the cause. Eventually, a national organization - the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America - was formed to oversee the rapidly increasing number of individual chapters. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is now the world's largest wish granting organization, with 80 chapters across the United States, including 23 international affiliates spanning five continents. Since 1980, over 97,000 wishes have been granted to children with life-threatening illnesses with the help of generous donors and over 25,000 dedicated volunteers. To learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, visit the National Homepage.

Chapter History

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Louisiana granted its first wish in April of 1996. That first year the wishes of 24 children were fulfilled. Today, over 790 wishes have been granted and approximately 100 wishes will be granted this year. The seven member staff, twenty-one members of the board of directors, and over 200 volunteers dedicate their time, energy and talents to fulfilling the wishes of children throughout the entire 64 parishes of Louisiana. To learn more about how you can become involved with the Louisiana chapter, please visit the Volunteering Page.

Geographic Area Served

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Louisiana is the only wish-granting organization that serves the children of all 64 parishes. The chapter serves all medically-qualified children regardless of race, gender, creed, socio-economic or cultural background.

Governance

The Board of Directors consists of volunteer community leaders dedicated to the stewardship of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Louisiana. Board and Executive Committee Meetings are held monthly. Standing committees meet on a regular basis. To view a list of the Board of Directors and staff, visit the Contact Us Page.

Funding

Proceeds from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Louisiana fundraising efforts are used to fulfill Louisiana children's dreams and create special memories for the entire family. Approximately 80% of each dollar raised is spent on wish granting and related program services. Administration and fundraising costs account for approximately 20% of money raised. To learn more about how you can help fund a child's wish, visit the Giving Page.

Wish Granting

The Louisiana chapter serves children in the 64 parishes of the state. "Wish Children" may be referred to the Foundation by their parents or guardians, medical professionals or the children themselves. For more information on how to refer a child, please click here. Once the Make-A-Wish Foundation has been contacted, a medical release form is sent to the child's primary physician for approval and signature. When this form is received back in our office, a volunteer team sets up a time to visit the family. The child's wish is determined and the proper paperwork is completed. Once the child's wish is approved, the Wish Team makes all the necessary arrangements for the wish. Every wish represents a unique collaboration between wish families, medical professionals, volunteers and donors. The Make-A-Wish Foundation provides the structure, but it is the child's request that determines the wish. To learn more, visit the How a wish is granted Page.

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