Is There a Wish Program for Older Adults With Cancer?
•Jason Pohlonski, Founder & Executive Director

Is There a Wish Program for Older Adults With Cancer?

Yes. Wish support for older adults with cancer can exist through adult wish-granting organizations like One More Moment.

Many families know about wish programs for children. Fewer people realize that adults and older adults facing cancer may also want something meaningful to look forward to: one more dinner, one more visit, one more peaceful day, one more chance to be surrounded by the people they love.

One More Moment is an independent Michigan nonprofit that helps adults in Michigan facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer create meaningful Moments with loved ones. Some people search for phrases like “Make-A-Wish for adults with cancer” or “adult Make-A-Wish” when they are looking for help. One More Moment is not affiliated with Make-A-Wish. It has its own mission, eligibility review, and way of supporting adult cancer wishes in Michigan.

For a broader overview of adult cancer wishes in Michigan, visit our guide to wish granting for adults with cancer in Michigan.

Adult Cancer Wishes Are Not Limited to Young Adults

Meaningful Moments matter at every adult age.

An adult cancer wish is not only for young adults. Older adults with cancer may want time with children, grandchildren, siblings, lifelong friends, caregivers, neighbors, or the people who helped them through treatment. A Moment may be about celebrating a relationship, returning to a meaningful place, sharing a meal, or simply having protected time together.

Age alone does not determine whether a Moment matters. The heart of the request is the person, the people they love, and what would feel meaningful while they are facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer.

What Can a Wish for an Older Adult With Cancer Look Like?

A wish program for older adults with cancer does not have to focus on something large or public. A meaningful Moment can be simple, quiet, joyful, practical, or deeply personal.

Examples may include:

  • Dinner with loved ones
  • A visit to a favorite place
  • A short Michigan getaway
  • A peaceful day near the water
  • A family gathering
  • Time with children or grandchildren
  • A meaningful conversation
  • A chance to say thank you
  • A quiet day surrounded by the people who matter most

For some families, a Stage IV cancer wish may look like travel. For others, an advanced cancer wish or metastatic cancer wish may be centered around comfort, privacy, accessibility, and staying close to home. The Moment should fit the person, not the other way around.

Does the Wish Have to Be a Trip?

No. A One More Moment request does not have to be a trip.

A Moment can be local, private, simple, or centered around family and connection. It might be a meal, a visit, a short outing, a gathering at home, or time set aside with the people who matter most. Some adult cancer wishes involve travel, lodging, or a special place. Others are meaningful because they remove pressure and help a family be present together.

The best Moment is not always the biggest one. It is the one that feels meaningful to the adult facing cancer and the loved ones sharing it with them.

Who Can Help Start a Request?

A Moment request may begin with the person facing cancer, but they do not have to do it alone.

A request or referral may be started by:

  • The person facing cancer
  • A spouse or partner
  • An adult child
  • A family member
  • A friend
  • A caregiver
  • A hospice worker
  • An oncology team member
  • A social worker
  • A church or community contact

If you know an adult in Michigan who may qualify, you can start with the Request a Moment form. You can also review Who Qualifies for a One More Moment Wish before submitting a request.

When Should Families Reach Out?

Earlier requests are often easier to plan.

More time can help with coordination, family schedules, transportation, meals, lodging, medical comfort, privacy needs, local support, and the practical details that make a Moment feel manageable. Reaching out earlier does not guarantee approval or timing, but it can give the team more room to understand the request and explore what may be possible.

If the situation feels time-sensitive, it is still okay to ask. One More Moment reviews each request thoughtfully, with care for the person, the family, the timing, and the available resources.

For more guidance, read When Should You Request a Wish for an Adult With Cancer?.

Dignity and Privacy Matter

One More Moment handles requests with care because these moments are personal.

Some Moments are shared publicly only with permission. Many stay private. A family should not have to feel like their experience must become a story for the outside world in order to matter. Privacy, dignity, and consent are part of how One More Moment approaches wish granting for adults with cancer.

You can review the organization’s Privacy Policy for more information about how personal information is handled.

How Requests Are Reviewed

Every request is reviewed thoughtfully because every person and family deserves dignity, and every donor deserves to know their gift is being used responsibly.

One More Moment considers the person’s situation, the requested Moment, eligibility, timing, logistics, safety, available resources, and whether additional information is needed. Submitting a request does not guarantee approval, funding, timing, or availability. It gives the team a chance to understand what would be meaningful and whether the organization may be able to help.

Because corporate donors and generous families and supporters help cover overhead, 100% of public donations go directly toward wish granting.

To help create future Moments, you can donate to One More Moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a wish program for older adults with cancer?

Yes. Adult wish-granting organizations may support older adults with cancer, depending on the organization’s mission, location, eligibility guidelines, timing, and available resources. One More Moment helps adults in Michigan facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer create meaningful Moments with loved ones.

Can older adults receive an adult cancer wish?

Yes, older adults may be able to receive an adult cancer wish if they meet the organization’s eligibility guidelines. At One More Moment, age alone does not determine whether a Moment matters. Requests are reviewed based on the person’s situation, diagnosis, location, need, timing, and the Moment being requested.

Does an adult cancer wish have to be a trip?

No. An adult cancer wish does not have to be a trip. A Moment can be simple, local, private, or centered around family and connection. It may be a meal, gathering, short outing, peaceful day, or meaningful time with loved ones.

Who can help request a Moment for an older adult with cancer?

The person facing cancer, a spouse or partner, adult child, family member, friend, caregiver, hospice worker, oncology team member, social worker, church contact, or community contact may help begin a request.

Are Moments shared publicly?

Only with permission. Some Moments are shared publicly when the person and family are comfortable with that. Many Moments stay private. One More Moment approaches each request with dignity, privacy, and care.

How can someone request an adult cancer wish in Michigan?

To request an adult cancer wish in Michigan, start with the Request a Moment form. You can also review eligibility criteria or contact One More Moment with questions.

About the Author

Jason Pohlonski is the Founder and Executive Director of One More Moment, a Michigan-based nonprofit created to help adults facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer experience meaningful Moments with the people they love.

One More Moment was inspired by Jason’s personal experience with his mother’s cancer journey and the realization that, near the end of life, even a simple moment together can mean everything. Through One More Moment, Jason and the organization work to provide dignity, connection, and meaningful experiences for adults and families navigating late-stage cancer.

About One More Moment

One More Moment grants meaningful wish experiences for adults in Michigan who are facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer and who lack the resources to create that Moment on their own.

Every request is reviewed with care. Eligibility may include Michigan residency, a qualifying cancer diagnosis, financial or logistical need, and confirmation from an oncology provider.

Nonprofit Verification

One More Moment is a registered nonprofit organization. Visitors can verify the organization through official nonprofit resources, including the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and Candid/GuideStar.

Privacy and Medical Information

One More Moment respects the privacy of every applicant, family, and referral partner. Medical and personal information submitted through a Moment request is used only to review eligibility and coordinate the request.

For more details, please review our Privacy Policy.

Contact

One More Moment
Founder & Executive Director: Jason Pohlonski
Website: https://www.onemoremoment.org