Written by a parent, not a doctor. Nothing here is medical advice.
Support organization
Marty Lyons Foundation arranges and directly pays for approved wishes for children ages 3–17 with a terminal or life-threatening illness who reside or receive current medical treatment in one of 14 listed states. First-wish applicants must not have received or be pursuing a wish with another organization and submit four original paper forms, including treating-physician and hospital authorization documents. Wishes can include continental-U.S. trips, cruises, celebrity or event experiences, computers, accessible equipment, special beds or bikes, generators for medical equipment, and other approved requests; prohibited categories include direct financial assistance, home construction, vehicle purchase, firearms, and high-risk requests. First-wish intake is primarily open, while second wishes are waitlisted, considered only under exceptional medical circumstances, and usually at least two years after a prior wish. Fulfillment after approval may range from a week to a year or longer depending on the child’s health and wish complexity.
Grants special wishes to children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses and supports exceptional second-wish cases.
First and exceptional second wishes for children ages 3–17 with terminal or life-threatening illnesses in 14 states.
An approved wish arranged for your child, with payment made directly to the providers.
Helps with: Practical Items And Home Help, Wishes And Family Experiences
Where: AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, MD, MA, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, TX, VA
Care team must start: No
Marty Lyons Foundation may consider a second wish .
Helps with: Practical Items And Home Help, Wishes And Family Experiences
Where: AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, MD, MA, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, TX, VA
Care team must start: No
Organization details were last verified Aug 24, 2026. Program availability can change.
