A family member reviewing a phone and notebook in a warm home setting, representing the next steps after submitting an adult cancer wish request.
•Jason Pohlonski, Founder & Executive Director

What Happens After You Request an Adult Cancer Wish?

Submitting an adult cancer wish request starts the review and conversation process with One More Moment.

The team reviews the information provided and determines whether more details are needed. This is a personal, thoughtful process, not an automatic approval. It gives One More Moment a chance to understand the person, the situation, and what kind of Moment may be meaningful and realistic.

Families may find One More Moment while searching for phrases such as “Make-A-Wish for adults with cancer,” “adult cancer wish,” or “wish program for adults with cancer.” One More Moment is an independent Michigan nonprofit and is not affiliated with Make-A-Wish.

One More Moment helps adults in Michigan facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer create meaningful Moments with the people they love. For a broader introduction, visit our guide to adult cancer wishes in Michigan.

The Request Is Reviewed

Every adult cancer wish request is reviewed individually by the One More Moment team. The review may consider:

  • Eligibility
  • Cancer status
  • Michigan residency and service area
  • Timing
  • The requested Moment
  • Accessibility, mobility, or comfort needs
  • Travel requirements
  • The number of people involved
  • Whether the request is realistically possible
  • Available resources and support

This review helps the team understand whether the request fits One More Moment’s mission and what may be possible. It is not an automated approval process, and every situation is different.

To learn more about the main eligibility considerations, read Who Qualifies for a One More Moment Wish?.

Additional Information May Be Requested

One More Moment may follow up with the person who submitted the request, the person facing cancer, a family member, caregiver, or another appropriate contact. These conversations can help clarify what matters most and identify practical needs.

The team may ask about the person’s general diagnosis or cancer status, where they live, timing concerns, the loved ones they hope to include, travel ability, accessibility, comfort, privacy, or the meaning behind the request. Confirmation from an oncology provider may also be requested as part of the eligibility review.

Families do not need to send every detail before the conversation begins. For a helpful overview of what to include, read What Information Is Needed to Request an Adult Cancer Wish?.

Does Submitting a Request Mean It Has Been Approved?

No. Submitting a request does not automatically mean that a Moment has been approved or can be fulfilled exactly as requested.

Eligibility, timing, health, logistics, availability, and resources all matter. One More Moment cannot promise approval, funding, a particular outcome, or a specific fulfillment timeline. The request is the beginning of a conversation and review process.

For a fuller explanation, read Does Every Adult Cancer Wish Get Granted?.

What If the Original Idea Is Not Possible?

When possible, One More Moment may work with families to explore another meaningful option. A change in the plan does not have to change the heart of the Moment.

For example:

  • A larger trip may become something closer to home
  • An event may become another meaningful experience
  • Travel may become something brought to the person
  • A larger gathering may become something smaller and more comfortable

The goal is to understand what the original idea represents. It may be time together, a favorite tradition, a meaningful place, shared joy, or a chance to feel seen and supported. Flexibility can help preserve that meaning while keeping the plan realistic.

When Does Planning Begin?

If the request fits the mission and a feasible direction is identified, planning can begin. The details depend on the Moment and may involve coordination with:

  • Family members or caregivers
  • Volunteers
  • Local businesses or community partners
  • Donors
  • Venues
  • Transportation providers
  • Lodging or meal providers
  • Accessibility resources
  • Schedules and other details specific to the Moment

Not every Moment involves every item. A quiet meal close to home may need very different planning than an outing or overnight stay. The team works through the details that apply to the individual request.

Why Families Should Respond Quickly

Health, energy, family availability, and practical circumstances can change quickly for someone facing advanced cancer. Prompt replies to follow-up questions can help One More Moment understand the situation and explore realistic options, especially when timing is important.

Families should share any urgent timing concern in the original request and respond as soon as they reasonably can when the team follows up. A quick response does not guarantee approval or a particular timeline, but it can reduce delays in gathering the information needed for review.

If time may be limited, read What to Do When an Adult Cancer Wish Needs to Happen Quickly.

What If Circumstances Change?

Let One More Moment know if:

  • Health or energy changes
  • Travel becomes difficult
  • Treatment schedules change
  • Accessibility or mobility needs change
  • Family availability changes
  • The person changes their mind about what would be meaningful

Changes do not mean the conversation has failed. They may simply mean the plan needs to become shorter, quieter, closer to home, more accessible, or easier to adjust. Flexibility can help preserve the heart of the Moment even when the details change.

Families should continue working with oncology, hospice, and other care teams for medical guidance and health-related decisions.

Privacy and Permission

Some Moments are shared publicly only when permission is given, while many remain private. One More Moment respects the privacy and dignity of every warrior and family we serve.

Receiving a Moment does not require a family to share photos, personal details, or medical information publicly. Privacy preferences can be discussed during the request and planning process. For more information, review the Privacy Policy.

The Request Does Not Have to Be Perfect

Families do not need every date, cost, vendor, or planning detail figured out before submitting an adult cancer wish request.

The important thing is explaining what would be meaningful and why. A request can begin with a person, place, tradition, activity, meal, or simple hope for time together. One More Moment can then review the information, ask questions, and explore what may be possible.

Start the Conversation

If you know an adult in Michigan facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer, you can start the conversation by submitting a Moment request.

Supporters can also help create future adult cancer wishes in Michigan by choosing to donate to One More Moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after you request an adult cancer wish?

One More Moment reviews the information provided and may follow up for additional details. The team considers eligibility, cancer status, location, timing, the requested Moment, accessibility, travel, logistics, and available resources before determining what may be possible.

How long does the adult wish granting process take?

There is no guaranteed response or fulfillment timeline. Timing depends on the individual request, the person’s circumstances, the information needed, availability, resources, and planning requirements.

Does submitting a request guarantee a Moment?

No. Submitting a request begins a conversation and review process. It does not guarantee approval, funding, timing, availability, or that the original request can be fulfilled exactly as submitted.

Will medical confirmation be required?

Confirmation from an oncology provider may be requested to help One More Moment review eligibility. The team will let the appropriate contact know if additional information is needed.

Can the requested Moment change after submission?

Yes. Health, comfort, timing, travel, accessibility, availability, or the person’s preferences may change. Families should share updates promptly so the team can explore whether the plan should be adapted.

Is One More Moment affiliated with Make-A-Wish?

No. One More Moment is not affiliated with Make-A-Wish. It is an independent Michigan nonprofit with its own mission, eligibility guidelines, review process, and focus on adults facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer.

About the Author

Jason Pohlonski is the Founder and Executive Director of One More Moment, a Michigan nonprofit organization helping adults facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer create meaningful Moments with the people they love.

About One More Moment

One More Moment is an independent Michigan nonprofit helping adults facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer create meaningful Moments with loved ones. One More Moment is not affiliated with Make-A-Wish.