Meet a Make-A-Wish Champion of HOPE
Dr. Rick Kooima
Pediatrician Rick Kooima, MD, with Avera Medical Group Family Health Center - Dawley Farm has been in practice in Sioux Falls for 27 years. He is also a Chapter Medical Advisor for Make-A-Wish
Q: Why do you refer qualifying patients to Make-A-Wish?
“A wish granted by Make-A-Wish provides a child with a chronic medical condition the opportunity to focus on something besides their illness. It provides hope and joy during a difficult time for patients and their families. With the entire family involved in the wish, it can frequently draw families closer together during difficult times. The opportunity to participate in a wish often gives kids new energy and strength to fight their illness.”
Q: What would you say to other providers considering referring a child to Make-A-Wish?
“When a provider refers a child to Make-A-Wish, they are able to see the joy that comes from the wish. Studies have shown that a Wish granted can renew a patient's hope and help to more effectively fight their illness.”
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