Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana Focus on Children with Kidney Diseases

March is National Kidney Month, and March 12th is World Kidney Day, both raising awareness for kidney disease. While educating the public on signs and symptoms of kidney disease is important, it is also a time to focus on how we can help those who currently have a kidney disease. 

This March, Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana is focusing on children with kidney diseases, spreading the word to medical professionals on who qualifies for a wish and how to refer a child. Children between the ages of 2 ½ and 18 years old that have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization and have been diagnosed with a critical illness may qualify.  Critical illness is also described as progressive, degenerative or a malignant condition that, despite adherence to the treatment plan, is currently placing the child’s life in jeopardy. 

Qualifying Nephrology Conditions include: 

• Chronic kidney disease (stage 3 or greater) with: 

  • Multiple acute illnesses/exacerbations in the last year requiring hospitalization

• Dialysis-dependent renal disease

• Kidney transplant

  • Within one year of transplant

  • With ongoing life-threatening complications

• Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome treated with chronic anticomplement therapy in order to remain in remission

There are other conditions that may be eligible for a wish when the condition includes life-threatening comorbidities that are currently placing the child’s life in jeopardy.  These conditions will be reviewed on a Diagnosis Verification Form. 

TO REFER: Visit wish.org/medical-referral and submit the referral to start the process for your patient.  If you have questions abowish.org/medical-referralut eligibility or the referral process, please contact Joe Evenson at 605.335.8000 or jevenson@sdmt.wish.org.