What does "critically ill" mean?

Critical illness is a state of ill health with vital organ dysfunction, a high risk of imminent death if care is not provided, and the potential for reversibility.

Why are critically ill children important to Macie's Foundation?

When a child is critically ill, families are often thrust into crisis with no time to prepare. Parents may be living at the hospital, siblings may be displaced, and normal life comes to a halt. In these moments, the need extends far beyond medical care. Families need reassurance, tangible support, and reminders that their child is more than a diagnosis or a prognosis.

Macie’s Foundation focuses on critically ill children because:

• Critical illness creates immediate and overwhelming need, often accompanied by financial, emotional, and logistical strain.

• Moments of joy and humanity matter deeply in crisis, offering comfort, strength, and emotional relief during the hardest days.

• Families need to feel seen and supported, not isolated or forgotten while their child fights to survive.

• Early support can have lasting impact, helping families endure trauma and begin healing regardless of outcome.

By supporting critically ill children, Macie’s Foundation honors Macie’s earliest fight and affirms that even in the most uncertain moments, children and families deserve dignity, compassion, and hope. The Foundation exists not only to help children survive critical illness, but to surround them—and those who love them—with care when it matters most.

What type of wishes can Macie's Foundation grant for critically ill children?

Macie’s Foundation grants wishes for critically ill children that are carefully designed to meet families in moments of crisis—when time is uncertain, emotions are raw, and even small gestures can carry profound meaning.

Unlike traditional wish programs that focus on future events or travel, Macie’s Foundation prioritizes wishes that are immediate, medically appropriate, and deeply personal, including:

1. Bedside & ICU Wishes

For children who cannot leave the hospital or ICU, wishes may include:

• Personalized ICU or hospital room transformations

• Milestone celebrations (birthdays, holidays, “firsts”) at the bedside

• Comfort items such as blankets, toys, lighting, or music tailored to the child

• Keepsake items for families during prolonged or critical hospital stays

2. Memory-Making Wishes

When a child’s condition is life-threatening or prognosis is uncertain, wishes may focus on preserving moments:

• Professional photography or videography

• Handprint, footprint, or heartbeat keepsakes

• Meaningful family experiences brought directly to the child

• Special moments designed to honor the child’s life, regardless of length

3. Family-Centered Wishes

Recognizing that critical illness affects the entire family, wishes may include:

• Support that allows parents to remain at the bedside

• Opportunities for siblings to safely connect and feel included

• Small comforts that ease the emotional weight of long hospital days

4. Comfort & Sensory Wishes

For children experiencing pain, fear, or sensory overload, wishes may focus on soothing and stability:

• Sensory-friendly items

• Music, storytelling, or gentle interactive experiences

• Tools that provide calm, familiarity, and reassurance

5. Time-Sensitive, Custom Wishes

Some wishes are simple but urgent:

• Bringing joy, peace, or beauty into a critical moment

• Creating one meaningful experience when time is limited

• Honoring what matters most to the child and family in that moment

Every wish granted for a critically ill child is custom-built, time-sensitive, and guided by medical teams and family input. The purpose is not extravagance—it is presence, compassion, and love during life’s most fragile moments.