What does "medically fragile" mean?

Although there is no single definition for a medically fragile child, it generally refers to kids with chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions who require health and related services beyond what most children typically need.

Why are medically fragile children important to Macie's Foundation?

For medically fragile children, life is often defined by reminders of what they cannot do: long hospital stays, missed milestones, isolation from peers, and families stretched thin emotionally and financially. Yet these children are more than their diagnoses. They are curious, joyful, resilient, and deserving of wonder, celebration, and childhood—just like any other child.

Macie’s Foundation exists to bridge the gap between medical survival and meaningful living. We recognize that while medical teams work tirelessly to keep children alive, families often need additional support to help their children truly live. That support may come in the form of joy during prolonged hospitalizations, relief during times of crisis, or hope when the future feels uncertain.

What type of wishes can Macie's Foundation grant for medically fragile children?

Macie’s Foundation grants wishes that are thoughtfully designed around the realities of medical fragility—recognizing that traditional, one-time “big” wishes are not always safe, accessible, or meaningful for children with complex medical needs.

Our wishes focus on joy, comfort, inclusion, and quality of life, and may include:

1. Hospital & Bedside Wishes

For children who spend extended time in medical settings, wishes may bring celebration and comfort directly to them, such as:

• Personalized hospital room transformations

• Birthday or milestone celebrations in the hospital

• Special toys, games, or technology adapted for limited mobility

• Comfort items that provide emotional security during procedures or recovery

2. In-Home Wishes

For children whose care happens primarily at home, wishes may support joy and accessibility, including:

• Sensory-friendly play or relaxation items

• Adaptive equipment that encourages play, creativity, or interaction

• Experiences that turn the home into a place of wonder when travel isn’t possible

3. Medically Safe Experiences

When approved by care teams, wishes may include:

• Small, controlled outings or experiences tailored to the child’s medical needs

• Private or low-stimulus experiences to reduce health risks

• Visits or interactions that can be brought to the child rather than requiring the child to travel

4. Family-Centered Wishes

Because medically fragile children are part of a caregiving ecosystem, some wishes may uplift the whole family:

• Memory-making experiences that include siblings and caregivers

• Support that allows families to be together during critical moments

• Celebrations that restore a sense of normalcy and connection

5. Comfort & Quality-of-Life Wishes

Not all wishes are about events. Some are about daily life:

• Items that increase comfort during long recoveries

• Tools that help children engage with their world despite physical limitations

• Thoughtful, child-specific gifts that acknowledge the child beyond their diagnosis

Every wish granted by Macie’s Foundation is customized, medically informed, and rooted in dignity. The goal is never extravagance—it is to create moments of light, comfort, and joy that honor each child’s unique journey.