Patient & Family Support

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Since 1982, Make-A-Wish Minnesota has granted more than 6,000 wishes to create hope, strength and joy for wish kids, their families and entire communities. While Make-A-Wish is a national organization, our Minnesota chapter is “small but mighty” with a staff of 20 and a core of 460 dedicated volunteers. We take our responsibility for financial donations made very seriously and rely solely on charitable giving to grant wishes for Minnesota children with critical illnesses statewide. Contributions come from individuals, corporations, special events and foundation grants.

THE MISSION OF FAMILY HOUSE IS TO SERVE AS A HOME AWAY FROM HOME FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH CANCER AND OTHER LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESSES BY PROVIDING PHYSICAL COMFORT AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, FREE FROM FINANCIAL CONCERNS.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE IS OPERATED FOR FAMILIES OF SERIOUSLY ILL CHILDREN RECEIVING TREATMENT AT NEARBY HOSPITALS. SOME OF THESE CHILDREN MUST TRAVEL GREAT DISTANCES TO GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. IN-HOSPITAL TREATMENT MAY LAST ONE DAY, ONE YEAR OR LONGER FOR THESE CHILDREN'S FAMILIES. ACCOMMODATIONS CAN BE HARD TO COME BY, OPTIONS OFTEN ARE LIMITED TO COSTLY HOTELS OR UNCOMFORTABLE HOSPITAL CHAIRS OR BENCHES. THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE PROVIDES A COMFORTABLE SUPPORTIVE ALTERNATIVE. IT SERVES AS A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE NEAR THE MEDICAL FACILITY WHERE FAMILY MEMBERS CAN SLEEP, EAT, RELAX AND FIND SUPPORT FROM OTHER FAMILIES IN SIMILAR SITUATIONS. IN RETURN, FAMILIES ARE ASKED TO MAKE A DONATION RANGING ON AVERAGE FROM $5 TO $20 PER DAY, BUT IF THAT ISN'T POSSIBLE, THEIR STAY IS FREE.

WE PROVIDE A MYRIAD OF SOCIAL, MEDICAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES INCLUDING: VISITATION, SENIOR CITIZEN ASSISTANCE, MEDICAL SUPPLY LOAN, TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM MEDICAL FACILITIES, PATIENT DVD LIBRARY, SHABBOS ROOM AT AREA HOSPITALS, HOSPITAL MEALS, CLINIC COUNSELING, SUPPORT GOUPS, PATIENT ADVOCACY, PATIENT ENTERTAINMENT, CANCER SUPPORT AND FAMILY COUNSELING.

THE BELIEVE IN TOMORROW CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION PROVIDES EXCEPTIONAL HOSPITAL AND RESPITE HOUSING SERVICES TO CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES. WE BELIEVE IN KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER DURING A CHILD'S MEDICAL CRISIS, AND THAT THE GENTLE CADENCE OF NORMAL FAMILY LIFE HAS A POWERFUL INFLUENCE ON THE HEALING PROCESS. WE BELIEVE THAT THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF SERVICE AND UNPARALLELED HOSPITALITY HELP TO CREATE A UNIQUE HEALING ENVIRONMENT, WHERE FAMILIES FIND HOPE AND COMFORT.

EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY RESOURCES PARTNERS WITH INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES, PROVIDING SERVICES, INFORMATION, ADVOCACY AND OTHER SUPPORTS TO ENHANCE LIVES AND FOSTER COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE.

THE COMPANY SHALL PROMOTE AND PROVIDE SAFE, HEALTHY, QUALITY SERVICES AND LIVING ENVIRONMENTS FOR ELDERS WHO CANNOT CARE FOR THEMSELVES.

THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION OF THE TEXAS GULF COAST & LOUISIANA, INC. CREATES LIFE-CHANGING WISHES FOR CHILDREN WITH CRITICAL ILLNESSES.

TO PROVIDE HOME-LIKE, TEMPORARY LODGING TO FAMILIES OF CRITICALLY ILL OR INJURED CHILDREN WHILE THEY ARE RECEIVING IN OR OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT AT AREA HOSPITALS

TO SUPPORT BRAIN-IMPAIRED ADULTS, THEIR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS, AND OLDER ADULTS IN CALIFORNIA.

CHILDREN'S HARBOR PROVIDES REFUGE, RESPITE AND RESOURCES TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED A LIFE-ALTERING MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS. THE FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS WE SERVE SEEK A SAFE REFUGE WHEN FACED WITH UNEXPECTED LIFE CIRCUMSTANCES. OUR COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES COMPLEMENT MEDICAL TREATMENT THROUGH THOUGHTFUL EFFORTS WHICH ANTICIPATE NEEDS, FOCUS ON MENTAL AND SOCIAL WELLBEING, AND OFFER A BUILT-IN SUPPORT SYSTEM FAMILIAR WITH EACH FAMILY'S UNIQUE SITUATION.WE SERVE OUR FAMILIES ACROSS TWO CAMPUSES WITH DISTINCT PURPOSES. THE FAMILY CENTER AT THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, "THE HARBOR", MEETS THE FAMILIES WHERE THEY ARE BY PROVIDING CARE SERVICES TO INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT CHILDREN, CAREGIVERS, AND SIBLINGS. THE LAKE MARTIN CAMPUS OFFERS FAMILIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO STEP AWAY FROM THE STRESSORS OF THE HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT FOR A SENSE OF NORMALCY THROUGH PARTNER CAMPS AND PROGRAMMING.

VALLEY CAREGIVER RESOURCE CENTER OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE ARRAY OF SERVICES DESIGNED TO ASSIST ELDERS AND THEIR FAMILIES MASTER THE CHALLENGES THAT ACCOMPANY THE AGING PROCESS. AS LONGSTANDING ADVOCATES AND COLLABORATORS IN PRESERVING THE HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF OTHERS, OUR AIM IS TO PROMOTE PERSONAL & COMMUNITY WELL BEING.

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SUNSHINE KIDS FOUNDATION ADDS QUALITY OF LIFE TO CHILDREN WITH CANCER BY PROVIDING THEM WITH EXCITING, POSITIVE GROUP ACTIVITIES SO THEY MAY AGAIN DO WHAT KIDS ARE MEANT TO DO, HAVE FUN AND CELEBRATE LIFE!

THE RAINBOW CONNECTION MAKES DREAMS COME TRUE FOR MICHIGAN CHILDREN WITH LIFE THREATENING MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND PROVIDES SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE FAMILIES.

THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION OF CONNECTICUT CREATES LIFE-CHANGING WISHES FOR CHILDREN WITH CRITICAL ILLNESSES.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE IS A HOME-AWAY FROM HOME FOR THE FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WHO COME TO THE MEDICAL FACILITIES IN GALVESTON FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF SERIOUS AND LONG-TERM ILLNESSES. THIS TYPE FACILITY OFFERS PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDERN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, CHEERFUL SURROUNDINGS, AND INEXPENSIVE, SAFE RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS.

TO PROVIDE A HOME AWAY FROM HOME FOR FAMILIES OF CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN BEING TREATED AT LOCAL HOSPITALS WHILE OFFERING PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT CHILDREN'S HEALTH.

TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND CARING HOME AWAY FROM HOME FOR THE FAMILIES OF CHILDREN RECEIVING ESSENTIAL MEDICAL SERVICES IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.

OUR MISSION IS TO USE THE MARINE EQUIPMENT TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND INDEPENDENCE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, DISADVANTAGED YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES.

THE MISSION OF THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA (AUSM) IS TO CREATE CONNECTIONS, EMPOWERING EVERYONE IN THE AUTISM COMMUNITY WITH THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO LIVE FULLY. AUSM SEEKS TO ENHANCE THE LIVES OF ALL WHO ARE A PART OF THE MINNESOTA AUTISM COMMUNITY, WITH A FUNDAMENTAL COMMITMENT TO ADVOCACY, EDUCATION, SUPPORT, COLLABORATION, AND COMMUNITY BUILDING.

Our mission is to improve the lives of persons with Down Syndrome, and their families, by providing support, information, and education, and by advocating for their rights and concerns; To enable the invididual to reach their full potential.

To create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children in the Ozarks, primarily through the Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Programs.

TO HELP SICK CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH DONATIONS OF TOYS, CLOTHING, SCHOOL SUPPLIES, MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND MONEY. THE DONATIONS OF MONEY ARE FOR MEDICAL

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THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES TEMPORARY LODGING FOR SERIOUSLY ILL CHILDREN, FAMILY ROOMS IN THREE HOSPITALS, GRANTS TO NON-PROFITS, AND SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of East Tennessee creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

GRANT NON-MEDICAL WISHES TO ALABAMA CHILDREN AGES 4-18 WHO HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESSES, PROVIDE AN ANNUAL FAMILY CAMP FOR CHILDREN WHO WERE GRANTED MAGIC MOMENTS, AND HOST PROGRAMS IN EACH REGION OF THE STATE IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP FAMILIES AND CHILDREN CONNECTED TO, AND THROUGH THE ORGANIZATION

The Marty Lyons Foundation fulfills the special wishes of children who have a terminal or life threatening illness.

Lekotek of Georgia, Inc. is a not-for-profit that provides support, accessible play, technology and resources to maximize educational and therapeutic gains for children with disabilities. Lekotek envisions a world where all children are included and empowered through play. It is independently funded through corporate and individual gifts, and program fees.

PROVIDE TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR FAMILIES OF PATIENTS AT UCSF BENIOFF CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OAKLAND.

THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL & WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA CREATES LIFE-CHANGING WISHES FOR CHILDREN WITH CRITICAL ILLNESSES.

provide temporary housing & support to families of seriously ill or injured children & adults being treated at the University of California Davis Medical Center & Shriners Hospital in Sacramento, California.

THE DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF DELAWARE SUPPORTS FAMILIES, PROMOTES COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, AND ENCOURAGES A LIFETIME OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME.

TO PROVIDE LODGING FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES RECEIVING MEDICAL TREATMENT IN AREA HOSPITALS.

VICTORY GALLOP PROVIDES INNOVATIVE, PROGRESSIVE, QUALITY THERAPY TO CHILDREN WITH LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESSES AND BEHAVIORAL AND/OR EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES THROUGH THE USE OF HORSES.

TO PROVIDE THERAPEAUTIC BENEFITS TO HANDICAPPED CITIZENS THROUGH A HORSEBACK RIDING PROGRAM.

FULFILL DREAMS AND WISHES OF CHILDREN GENERALLY FROM THEIR 4TH BIRTHDAY TO THEIR 18TH BIRTHDAY AND GENERALLY RESIDING IN THE GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY AREA

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon & SW Washington provides access to medical care, a home away from home, and a community of support for seriously ill or injured children and their families.

TO SURROUND FAMILIES WITH THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO BE NEAR AND CARE FOR THEIR SERIOUSLY ILL OR INJURED CHILDREN.

To advance the welfare of Midstate Medical Center.

TO PROVIDE LODGING AND SUPPORT SERVICES TO FAMILIES WITH CRITICALLY ILL OR INJURED CHILDREN.

DREAM DAY FOUNDATION PROVIDES FUNDRAISERS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS TO ST. JUDE RESEARCH HOSPITAL; ALSO, THE FOUNDATION HAS SPECIAL EVENTS FOR CHILDREN IMPACTED BY CANCER. THESE EVENTS ARE SUPPORTED BY CONTRIBUTIONS BY INDIVIDUALS AND COMPANIES.

DREAMS COME TRUE WAS FOUNDED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING DREAMS TO CHILDREN WITH LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESSES.

CHAI LIFELINE IS AN INTERNATIONAL HEALTH SUPPORT NETWORK, PROVIDING SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, FINANCIAL AND PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE TO CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES FACING ILLNESS, CRISIS, OR LOSS. CHAI LIFELINE OFFERS MORE THAN TWO-DOZEN YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, INCLUDING CASE MANAGEMENT AND COUNSELING; MEALS DELIVERED TO HOSPITALS AND HOMES; TRANSPORTATION TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS; HOSPITAL AND IN-HOME RESPITE; EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE; INSURANCE ADVOCACY; TRIPS, RETREATS AND SPECIAL EVENTS; PROJECT CHAI CRISIS INTERVENTION, TRAUMA, AND BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT; CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS; EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES; I-SHINE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING; AND ITS FLAGSHIP SUMMER PROGRAMS CAMP SIMCHA, CAMP SIMCHA SPECIAL, AND CAMP SIMCHA WITHOUT BORDERS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS WITH LIFE-THREATENING AND LIFELONG ILLNESS.

SINCE 1981, THE ATLANTA HOSPITAL HOSPITALITY HOUSE (AHHH) HAS PROVIDED A "HOME AWAY FROM HOME" TO OUTPATIENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS WHEN THE OUTPATIENT IS RECEIVING MEDICAL TREATMENT IN AN ATLANTA AREA HOSPITAL. THE ORGANIZATION OFFERS LODGING, MEALS, AND A COMPASSIONATE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. THE ORGANIZATION DOES NOT LIMIT SERVICES BASED ON AGE, MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS, OR ANY OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ORGANIZATION ACCOMMODATES ANYONE REFERRED BY A HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT CENTER'S CHAPLAINS, SOCIAL WORKERS, OR DOCTOR'S OFFICE. THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES SERVICES TO PATIENTS AND RELATED INDIVIDUALS FOR OVER 22 HOSPITALS AND TREATMENT CENTERS.

EDUCATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Jacobs Heart Childrens Cancer Support Services falls under the Patient & Family Support category: Organizations that provide support services to patients and their families. Programs can include social and recreational activities for people who are recovering from surgery or a serious illnesses; supportive services for children who are ill and for their families which enable family members to remain with a child who is hospitalized; family and sibling support groups, and programs which attempt to make a gravely or terminally ill child’s final days, weeks and months more pleasant. (rev. 9/2005)