On World Wish Day 2024 we celebrate the first wish that started it all by donating and raising money for children living with a critical illness. Become a WishMaker and become part of an amazing legacy that gives critically ill children the opportunity to feel hope and reclaim their childhood. But how did the first wish come about and spark an international movement?
Grant life-changing wishes
The history of Make-A-Wish and the World Wish Day
Every year on 29th April, World Wish Day, we celebrate the history of Make-A-Wish. The wish that inspired the Make-A-Wish Foundation was granted on April 29th, 1980.
From the moment he was born in 1972, it was clear that Christopher James Greicius would not live a long life. He spent his life battling leukemia. Despite this, Christopher was an energetic and positive boy who wanted nothing more than to become a police officer. In 1980, when Chris was seven years old, his family and his Phoenix community banded together to give him the greatest experience he could possibly wish for: to become a police officer for a day.
How did the first wish inspire a global movement?
Chris did not get to witness how his wish inspired a global movement. Four days after his wish had been granted, Christopher died. His mother Linda Pauling, his family and members of his Phoenix community had witnessed first-hand the power of a wish; Chris was so happy and the little boy had changed their lives. They also knew there were more children out there battling a critical illness that deserved happiness and hope. That was how the Make-A-Wish Foundation was born.
In 1981 the first child to officially receive a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation was Frank “Bopsy” Salazar. Like Christopher, Bopsy was a seven year old boy battling leukemia. His dream to become a member of the Engine 9 firefighter crew was granted.
By 1990 the Make-A-Wish Foundation had granted over 10,000 wishes, gaining international recognition and changing the lives of critically ill children and their families. Three years later, Make-A-Wish International was set up to help children all over the world. In 2010 we celebrated the first World Wish Day and the granting of nearly 200,000 wishes. Today, over 585,000 wishes have been granted in over 50 countries across 6 continents.
Why we celebrate the first wish
We celebrate the first wish because it inspired a movement that has been able to help over 585,000 children living with a critical illness all over the world restore a part of their childhood. Wishes are a beacon of light during the difficult times a critically ill child and their family go through.
The wish impact has proven to be more than simply providing a child with a fun day or a gift. Wishes allow critically ill children to experience their childhood and give them and their families hope for the future.
Become a WishMaker today!
You can give a critically ill child a magical experience by becoming a WishMaker today! Wishes are granted through more than volunteer involvement and luck. We need your help to raise money to help critically ill children regain their childhood and gain unforgettable experiences. Donate now and become a WishMaker!
Grant life-changing wishes
Sarah Labelle is Digital Fundraising Manager at Make-A-Wish International, having joined the organization in 2022 after a previous mission in humanitarian healthcare. Sarah oversees new donor acquisitions and conversions through our digital channels. Additionally, Sarah manages the e-commerce side of the website, email marketing and strives to deliver a smooth donation process for all Make-A-Wish supporters.
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