After facing heavy criticism, the Make-A-Wish Foundation reversed its decision to only grant wishes to terminally ill children whose families were vaccinated.
The organization announced over the weekend that only those who had received a COVID-19 vaccine would be eligible for its charity.
“We’ve approached this responsibility with a focus and diligence for your family’s health and safety,” said Richard Davis, Make-A-Wish president and CEO, in a statement.
“Now we’ve consulted with doctors and medical professionals throughout the National Medical Advisory Council. We’ve been monitoring public health organizations like the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics,” he continued. “All wish participants, including your wish kid and any siblings, will need to be two weeks past completion of either a one-dose or a two-dose vaccine.”
Davis said the foundation would not require proof of vaccination, but it would need all adults to sign a “letter of understanding that certifies that they and any minors participating in the wish are vaccinated and fully understand the risks of traveling at this time.”
Parents and donors slammed the organization for denying sick children the chance at life-changing gift just because they have not been vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Complete shame! Among many other issues my son has respiratory issues and we have been advised to not get him vaccinated. Although he has had his Make-a-wish we would be devastated to find out that his wish would not be granted. I feel so bad for children who won’t get a wish
— Dave Miller (@sunkentoy) June 27, 2021
The Make a Wish Foundation is going to discriminate against unvaccinated terminal kids.
What a disgrace of a world we live in!
Our children deserve better!!
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) June 26, 2021
After the backlash, the foundation reversed course and updated its vaccination policy.
“We understand that there are many families whose children aren’t eligible for the vaccine yet, and we also know that there are families who are choosing to not get the vaccine,” the organization said in a statement.
“We respect everyone’s freedom of choice,” it continued. “Make-A-Wish will continue to grant wishes for all eligible children. Make-A-Wish will not require anyone to get vaccinated to receive a wish.”
