Fisher Coon Unit (Specialty Hospital) at LifeScape, Sioux Falls, SD
How long have you been referring patients to Make-A-Wish and why do you do it?
I’ve been a Social Worker at LifeScape, on and off, for a total of 11 years and I’ve been referring families to Make-A-Wish for about two years. There’s something extra special about creating an experience the whole family can enjoy together. Many of the wishes granted to our Specialty Hospital patients involve fun community experiences or adaptive equipment that makes everyday life a little easier.
What is your favorite part of referring children to Make-A-Wish?
My favorite part is watching the team and family come together to make a wish happen. Whether it’s seeing a family make special memories together or watching a child use adaptive equipment like a chill-out chair or an adaptive drawing and writing system, it’s so rewarding to see these opportunities bring joy to the kids and their families!
What feedback have you heard from the kids and/or families you have referred?
The best feedback is seeing the smiles in the pictures and knowing families are making memories together that they may not have thought were possible. It’s also wonderful to see children continue using their adaptive equipment and gain more independence. Those moments are a great reminder of why these wishes are so special!
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 critical illness (i.e., a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition) that, despite adherence to the treatment plan, is currently placing the child's life in jeopardy