Make-A-Wish!
By Teresa Ambord
Many people have heard of Make-A-Wish, but don't really know what it is. The inspiration for this foundation came back in 1980 when Chris Greicius, a seven-year old boy with leukemia made a wish. Knowing he probably wouldn't make it to adulthood, Chris wanted to be a police officer for one day.
With the help of family and friends in the highway patrol, his wish was granted. Outfitted with badge, goggles, helmet, and a uniform designed just for him, Chris was an officer for that one day. In his memory, his mother and those who helped make his wish happen started the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
With 81 U.S. chapters and 22 international chapters on five continents, it is the largest wish-granting organization in the world. More than 110,000 children have had wishes granted through this life-changing program.
How Does it Work?
Children who have a life-threatening medical condition, and are between the ages of two and a half and 18 at the time they are referred are eligible. The Foundation then contacts the child's doctor to verify that the child qualifies. The child's physician plays a key role in the wish fulfillment, since some children may be too ill to participate. For that reason, the Make-A-Wish staff stays in close contact with the doctor in order to determine the best, most appropriate time for carrying out the "wish," and for making certain the child has the care, medicine, and other accommodations required by their illness. Anyone can refer a child, including the child himself or herself. You can contact the local chapter of Make-A-Wish if you want to refer a child.
To find your local chapter:
What Kinds of Things Do Kids Wish for?
Make-A-Wish says that the wishes usually fall into one of four categories:
- Wish to be something, like a policeman, fireman, or movie star.
- Wish to go somewhere, like Disney World, or Hawaii.
- Wish to have something they've dreamed of, like a tree house.
- Wish to meet someone, like a football star, the President of the United States, a favorite singer.
Is the Family Income a Factor of Eligibility?
According to Make-A-Wish Foundation, income has no bearing on the child's ability to receive a wish.
Interested in Volunteer Opportunities?
Make-A-Wish Foundation relies heavily on its more than 25,000 volunteers who fill a variety of roles. There are volunteer positions available for special events helpers, fund-raisers, wish-granters, and others. The best way to find out how you can help is to use the link above to contact your local chapter and see what they need.
You Can Support Make-A-Wish By Shopping in Their Online Store
Or By Making a Tax Deductible Donation Online
To Have Your Questions Answered, See the List of Frequently Asked Questions
Make-A-Wish seems to be the kind of organization that exists for no other reason than to put a smile on the face of a child with little to be happy about. And certainly their record shows, they've produced many smiles. What's not to love about a program like that?
