Does anyone know exactly what the medical guidelines are for GKTW?

[6_Time_Momma]

I have seen "life threatening" but that can mean so many things. (I know, that doesn't sound like it makes sense, but it does ) Does it mean cancer or diseases only as severe as cancer? Does anyone know the specific guidelines that doctors are given when they evaluate the child for GKTW?

 

[meeshi]

I can only tell you what I know (not much! LOL!). My DD has cerebral palsy and her physical therapist nominated her last year for a wish through Make A Wish. I had always thought it was for kids with cancer or that kind of thing. But because of my DD's disabilities (she has a shunt, a feeding tube, a baclofen pump for spasticity) and potential risks of surgeries and things like that, she was eligible. All I know is she was nominated and the doctors agreed she was eligible. Anyone can nominate someone and then it's the child's doctor who decides if they are eligible, from what I understand. In my DD's case, her PT sent a letter to her neurosurgeon. I hope that answers your question.

BTW, we went on her trip in November and January 7 we rushed her to the emergency room and she was in the hospital for 6 weeks! Came home on I.V. nutrition for 3 months, went back for surgery and was in for almost another month. Never before has she been hospitalized for illness. It was scary, we were thinking maybe that was our last vacation together as a family. But thank God, she is doing much better.

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't know anything more than what I have read, but here's a link to MAKE A WISH.
From what I know, they have sort of left the "life threatening illness" vague on purpose. If they listed specific diseases, some kids would have a mild case of that disease, a chronic problem, but not likely to be life-threatening. Other kids might have frequent hospitalizations or other problems that are connected with the disease that make it more serious. Having the definition vague encourages more people to refer children.