Make-A-Wish
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| Formation | April 29, 1980 |
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| Type | 501(c)(3) non-profit organization |
| Purpose | Fulfilling "wish" experiences for children with life-threatening medical conditions |
| Headquarters | Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| David A. Williams | |
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Notable Board Members
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John Crowley (Chairman) Derrick Hall Chris Beard |
| Website | worldwish |
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in the United States that arranges experiences described as "wishes" to children with life-threatening medical conditions. In order to qualify for a wish, the child must be between the ages of 3 and 17 years at the time of referral. It is the child's physician that ultimately decides if a child is eligible.
The national headquarters and founding chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation are in Phoenix, Arizona. The organization grants wishes through its 61 chapters located throughout the US. Make-A-Wish also operates in 45 other countries around the world through 38 affiliate offices. The President and CEO of Make-A-Wish America is David A. Williams.
In the spring of 1980, 7-year-old Christopher James Greicius (August 13, 1972 – May 3, 1980) was being treated for leukemia. He aspired to be a police officer. U.S. Customs Officer Tommy Austin befriended Chris and worked with officers at the Arizona Department of Public Safety to plan an experience to lift Greicius' spirits. Chris spent the day as a police officer, rode in a police helicopter, received a custom-tailored police uniform, and was sworn in as the first honorary Public Safety patrolman in state history. Greicius died soon after, but his wish became inspiration for the Make-A-Wish wish-granting organization.
Professional wrestler John Cena holds the title for the most wishes granted by a single individual, with over 500 wishes. Singer Justin Bieber has volunteered in over 250 wishes. National Women's Collegiate Fraternity Chi Omega has raised over $14 million for Make-A-Wish since 2001.
Children who may be eligible to receive a wish can be referred by one of the following three sources:
To refer a child, the appropriate referral source can use Make-A-Wish’s online inquiry form or contact the Make-A-Wish chapter closest to them. All medical information is considered confidential and is not discussed with outside parties unless it is required for the wish and the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s) have given their consent.
A child with a life-threatening medical condition who has reached the age of 2½ and is under the age of 18 at the time of referral, is potentially eligible for a wish. After a child is referred, the child’s treating physician must determine whether the child is medically eligible for a wish, based on the medical criteria established by Make-A-Wish. In addition, a child cannot have received a wish from another wish-granting organization.
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Wikipedia