Did you know that April 29th is World Wish Day? It all started with just one wish. One little boy’s wish. All these non-profits started with a dream, a purpose…a wish, and the Make A Wish Foundation began….the exact same way…with just one wish.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® traces its beginning to one boy’s wish, 7-year-old Chris Greicius was being treated for leukemia. Little Chris dreamed of becoming a police officer and on April 29, 1980 a few special people decided to make his wish come true. A police helicopter picked him up and the officers had a custom police uniform made for him and arranged a motorcycle test so he could earn wings to pin on his uniform.
On May 2, Chris was back in the hospital and not well. He asked to arrange the room so he could always see his new police uniform, his motorcycle helmet and his “Smokey Bear”-style hat. DPS motor officer, Frank Shankwitz, presented Chris with his motorcycle wings. He accepted them with a smile that lit up the room.
The following day, Chris passed away, but not before seeing his dream come true and experiencing the hope, strength and joy that came from receiving his wish. The police officers and Chris’s mom thought that if one boy’s wish could create such happiness, maybe they could do the same for other children. They presented the plan to the people who helped grant Chris’ wish. In that moment, the Chris Greicius Make-A-Wish® Memorial – which later became known as the Make-A-Wish Foundation® – was born.
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So, on Sunday, April 29th Make a wish and know that dreams do come true everyday…at least every 38 minutes this foundation is granting them. Charity Matters.
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