Makeawish

Make A Wish

By aswert30

  • The Inspiration

    The Inspiration
    Chris Greicius is diagnosed with leukemia, shortly after he and his mother, Linda Pauling, have driven from Illinois to Arizona.

  • Chris's Wish

    Chris's Wish
    Chris’ wish to be a police officer is granted by members of the Arizona Department of Public Safety; his story becomes popular on Phoenix Channel 12. Moved by the experience, an assembled group of future Make-A-Wish founders talk about granting another similar wish.

  • Farewell

    Farewell
    Chris passes away laying beside all DPS gave him.

  • Funeral

    Funeral
    Chris is given a full officer’s funeral joined by law enforcement from agencies around Illinois. Waiting at O’Hare International Airport, strangers who have heard the story talk to the two officers. Flying home, Stahl and Shankwtiz discuss the impact the boy’s wish seems to have on everyone who hears about it.

  • The Founding

    The Founding
    Some of the founders gather at the home of co-founder Allan Schmidt to elect a board of directors for the Chris Greicius Make-A-Wish Memorial, Inc.

  • The Early Years

    The Early Years
    The first "official" Make-A-Wish kid, Frank "Bopsy" Salazar, has his wish granted when he wishes to be a fireman, ride in a hot air balloon and go to Disneyland.

  • First Official Fundraiser

    First Official Fundraiser
    $2,000 is raised at Prescott balloon ride for the organization's first fundraiser. Allan Schmidt is elected the first CEO of Make-A-Wish.

  • Wishes

    Wishes
    Wish kid Thomasina Schnepf goes to Disneyland. After this wish kid 1 wish is granted for a kid every month give or take until the end of the year.

  • The Structural Years

    The Structural Years
    Board meeting to elect officers held:
    President: Tommy Austin
    Secretary: Grace LaScala
    Treasurer: Dolli Peralta

  • USA!

    USA!
    Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America is incorporated to oversee the numerous Make-A-Wish chapters beginning to surface across the country.

  • 10th Anniversary

    10th Anniversary
    Make-A-Wish celebrates its 10th anniversary and grants its 10,000th wish. A total of 3,487 wishes are granted during the year, and the organization receives the President's Citation for Voluntary Action Award.

  • International

    International
    Make-A-Wish International is formed.

  • The Impact Years

    The Impact Years
    On April 29, the first World Wish Day® is celebrated in 37 countries to recognize 30 years of wish granting.

  • Making a Difference

    Making a Difference
    Make-A-Wish grants a wish to 14,000 kids with life-threatening medical conditions this year alone – about half of the number of kids diagnosed with an eligible medical condition. Make-A-Wish commits to a vision of granting a wish to every eligible child.

  • It Keeps on Growing!

    It Keeps on Growing!
    Five corporate sponsors donate more than $1 million each.
    A total of 7,498 wishes are granted during the year.