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Founded in 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
Why do we exist?
"We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy."
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors, and entire communities. The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 after a little boy named Chris Greicius realized his heartfelt wish to become a police officer. Since its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 161,000 children.
Although it has become one of the world's most well-known charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has maintained the grassroots fulfillment of its mission. A network of more than 25,000 volunteers enables the Make-A-Wish Foundation to serve children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers serve as wish granters, fund raisers, special events assistants, and in numerous other capacities. As the Foundation continues to mature, its mission will remain steadfast. Wish children of the past, present, and future will have an opportunity to share the power of a wish®.
What have you accomplished?
In 1980, Chris Greicius was a 7-year-old boy being treated for leukemia. Whenever he saw a police officer, he saw everything he wanted to be. When local law enforcement officers heard about Chris’ wish to be a police officer, they responded to the call. A police helicopter flew him to headquarters for a full day of police experiences, including a tour, a chance to ride in a patrol car, and being sworn in as the first-ever honorary state patrolman in Arizona history. The officers didn’t stop there, completing Chris’ unforgettable wish by presenting him with his own custom-tailored uniform, motorcycle helmet, patrol hat and helping him earn his motorcycle wings on his own battery-powered bike.
Chris didn’t know it at the time, but he inspired the creation of an organization that gives children – more than 161,000 in our first 28 years – a chance to live their dreams like he did. The Make-A-Wish Foundation now grants a wish to a child every 41 minutes, and our goal is to make sure each of these wish kids experience the happiness that brightened Chris’ life. Though we’re the world’s largest wish-granting organization, we always remember how our work impacts every single wish kid.
Today, wish kids have enriched lives through exceptional, creative and even generous wishes. Many choose to meet their favorite celebrity, or travel to a favorite destination. Others have created their own action figures or recorded CDs. Some have even used their wishes to help other children
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