The Make-A-Wish Foundation
To grant a child’s greatest wish, bring joy and hope. What more could one ask for?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises money to grant the wish of a child with a life-threatening medical condition. The foundation brings hope and joy to several families. Yet, each wish that is granted doesn’t just touch the families, but also the sponsors, volunteers, and even the entire community.
The foundation had its beginnings in Arizona in the year of 1980. A seven year old boy named Christopher James Greicius was diagnosed with leukemia. Christopher’s greatest wish was to become a police officer. He and his mother, Linda Bergendahl-Pauling, befriended a U.S. Customs Officer named Tommy Austin. Once Christopher’s health had taken a turn for the worse, Officer Austin contacted a local Arizona Department of Public Safety’s officer, Ron Cox. Together, they would plan day dedicated to getting Christopher’s mind off his illness and lifting his spirits.
The personnel of the Department of Public Safety gave Christopher a city tour in the department helicopter and made him the first honorary Department of Public Safety patrolman in the history of the state of Arizona. They had a special suit tailored for him and tested him on his motorcycle proficiency, earning him wings for his uniform. Although he passed away, he was able to experience his greatest wish.
The Christopher Greicius Make-A-Wish Memorial, later renamed the Make-A-Wish Foundation, was formed. Those who had a part in granting Christopher’s wish had later endorsed the forming of the foundation. They all saw how granting his wish had brought joy and hope to him in his time of need. They hoped that they would be able to do the same for other children. The foundation grew into a worldwide organization that was able to grant over 163,000 children around the world. This foundation is now one of the most renowned in the world.
The goal of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant the wish of a child with a life-threatening medical condition to bring joy and hope to the child and family. For more information on how you can make a difference, go here.
Liked it
