Written by a parent, not a doctor. Nothing here is medical advice.

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Children's Dream Fund

Dream Program

What you get

A dream built around your child's interests, such as a trip, meeting a hero, a special gift, or an experience. Open now.

Who starts it
You, with a document from your doctor
How it’s sent
Online, on their website
Your time
An hour or so, plus waiting for the document
Last checked
Aug 28, 2026

Before you start, check you fit

  • Your child is between 3 and 21.
  • Medical eligibility and timing are confirmed with the treating physician after application.
  • Dreams are approved and selected at the program's discretion.

  1. Ask your doctor for the documentStart here. This is the part that takes the longest.

    Children's Dream Fund needs a signed confirmation of the diagnosis from your doctor. Copy this message, or say it in person at the next visit.

    Hi [doctor’s name],

We’d like to apply to Children's Dream Fund’s Dream Program. They offer a dream built around our child's interests, such as a trip, meeting a hero, a special gift, or an experience, and they are taking applications now.

They need a signed confirmation of the diagnosis from you. Their form and instructions are here: https://childrensdreamfund.org/how-a-dream-comes-true/

Could you do that when you have a chance? I can send you the link, or bring a printout to our next visit. Thank you for everything you do for us.

[your name] · [phone]
    Copying is the only thing this page does with your text. Nothing is saved.

  2. Fill in their applicationIt is on their website.

    Open their application ↗ Checked Aug 28, 2026

    What the form asks for

    Dream Child Information
    Full Name of ChildDate of BirthAgeGenderIllnessDiagnosis DateRaceT-Shirt SizeAddressLegal Mother's Full NameLegal Father's Full NameDoes the child reside with both biological parentsIf no, with whom do they resideWho has custody of the childPlease specify
    Physician & Medical Information
    HospitalClinicPhysician NameFaxSocial Worker / Child Life Specialist
    Show the rest of the form (3 more sections)
    Legal Guardian Information
    Legal Guardian 1 Full NameAre you primary contactLegal Guardian 1 Date of BirthRelationship to ChildOther relationship to childMailing AddressPrimary PhonePhone Number TypeSecondary PhoneSecondary Phone Number TypeEmail AddressOccupationPrimary LanguageMarital StatusT-Shirt SizeLegal Guardian 2 Full NameLegal Guardian 2: Are you primary contactLegal Guardian 2 Date of BirthLegal Guardian 2 Relationship to ChildLegal Guardian 2 Other Relationship to ChildLegal Guardian 2 Mailing AddressLegal Guardian 2 Primary PhoneLegal Guardian 2 Primary Phone Number TypeLegal Guardian 2 Secondary PhoneLegal Guardian 2 Secondary Phone Number TypeLegal Guardian 2 Email AddressLegal Guardian 2 OccupationLegal Guardian 2 Primary LanguageLegal Guardian 2 Marital StatusLegal Guardian 2 T-Shirt Size
    Sibling Information
    Sibling's Full NameSibling RelationshipSibling AgeSibling Date of BirthSibling T-Shirt SizeLegal Parent(s) Name(s)Who has custody of the sibling
    Dream Information and Participation Authorizations & Releases
    Has the child applied for a wish through Make a Wish, or ever received a wish from another organizationIf yes, with whomHow did you hear about The Children's Dream FundDream Idea 1Dream Idea 2Authorization and ReleaseI authorize the Children’s Dream Fund to use my child’s photo(s) and/or story

  3. Submit it on their websiteSend the document with your application, or the way they ask.

    • Use the official Application for Families page and submit the web form after accepting the required authorization and release.

After you send

Wait for their staff to review the application, verify medical eligibility with the treating physician, and contact the family about next steps. If you have not heard back in two weeks, write and ask whether it arrived.

Full record, as published