Meet a Make-A-Wish Champion of Hope
Sami Awadallah, MD, Pediatric Cardiologist, Avera Medical Group Pediatric Specialists
Why is Make-A-Wish so valuable for pediatric heart patients?
“For these particular patients, their quality of life is not normal. Possibly, their life duration is limited. Make-A-Wish provides a beautiful thing that certain patients would love to see and experience but couldn't do on their own. That's what makes it special.”
What challenges do your patients face that Make-A-Wish can help with?
“Children with congenital heart disease are not only suffering with physical limitations. Their view of life and the world can change. They may think in terms of what they can't do. But a wish can improve their outlook and state of mind. These are just as important as their physical health.”
As of March 2026, there are updates to Make-A-Wish eligibility criteria specific to Cardiology. Some conditions that qualify for Make-A-Wish include hypoplastic left heart, Fontan procedure, VAD, ICD, history of or actively listed for a transplant, among many others. For more information, please contact Alissa Blank at 605.776.8544 or ablank@sdmt.wish.org.
Who is eligible for a referral to Make-A-Wish?
Children must meet these criteria at the time of referral:
Be between 2.5 and 18 years old
Have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization
diagnosed with a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition that is life-threatening