History

It all started with a single wish…

Make-A-Wish traces its inspiration to Christopher James Greicius, an energetic 7-year-old boy battling leukemia who wishes to be a police officer. In 1980, his Phoenix community came together to make his wish come true. Little did Chris know that his wish would create a movement that would transform millions of lives.

Today, Make-A-Wish has been granting life-changing wishes for children and families for 45 years. After the start of Make-A-Wish in 1980 in the United States, Make-A-Wish International was officially formed in 1993 to serve five countries outside the U.S.A. – and now helps to serve children outside the United States in nearly 50 countries around the world.

With the help of our donors and more than 27,000 volunteers around the world, Make-A-Wish has collectively granted more than 615,000 wishes worldwide.

As a global community, we are focused on the impact of a wish in every phase of the Wish Journey. Wishes have proven physical, psychological and emotional benefits that can give children with critical illnesses the resilience they need when facing a critical illness. And wishes not only help these children – they also have far-reaching, positive impacts on their families and communities. In other words, wishes are the driving force behind all we do because, put simply, wish experiences transform lives.

Thank you to his mother, Linda Pauling, the Greicius family and the founders for their tireless dedication to our mission!

Timeline

1980 – 1983

1980 – Chris Greicius’ wish to be a police officer is granted. His wish inspires the creation of Make-A-Wish.

1983 – Make-A-Wish Foundation of America is incorporated. President Ronald Reagan grants the first presidential wish to Amy.

1988

1988 – Reader’s Digest article, “They Bring Joy to Sick Kids,” generates international awareness of Make-A-Wish.

1990 – 1996

1990 – Make-A-Wish celebrates its 10th birthday and 10,000 wishes granted. Make-A-Wish receives the Citation for Volunteer Action Award from President George H.W. Bush

1993 – Make-A-Wish International is formed to serve countries outside of the U.S.

2000 – 2004

2000 – Over 75,000 wishes granted. Wishbone logo is replaced with a swirl and star logo.

2004 – Make-A-Wish selected as one of “America’s Greatest Brands.”

2010 – 2025

2010 – First World Wish Day is celebrated around the world. Over 198,000 wishes granted.

2024 – Ground-breaking research is published on the impact of a wish on children with critical illnesses and their families

2025 – Make-A-Wish starts granting wishes in Africa, covering now all 6 continents.