It pains everyone seeing a child battling a horrible disease and being close to losing their life. The Make-A-Wish foundation is a charity created to give sick children an opportunity to live out a wish they’ve been dreaming about. Whether they want to meet a celebrity special to them or go on the trip of their dreams the foundation is for all sorts of wishes to be granted. They have reached the lives of people all around, some of which are people who are in our communities.
When Agent Tommy Austin was approached with the dilemma of young Chris Greicius he never envisioned the out come to be what it is today. It started with Tommy Austin’s wife having a friend whose son had been diagnosed with leukemia. The son Chris always dreamed of being a police officer so he could get the bad guys. By the time the officers were hearing of the story Chris was in bad shape, so they knew they had to act fast to fulfill his wish. They got an authentic uniform in his size and set up cones for him to complete a test to get his officer wings. Turns out young Greicius went into the hospital that day. Many officers joined him with all the gifts surrounding him in the hospital bed. He died May 3rd, 1980 at the age of seven. Chris became the inspiration for the new charity. Shankwitz started talking to Kathy McMorris about starting an organization that makes wishes come true for children. In the summer of 1980 they were in the works and by next spring $2000 was raised. The $2000 was used for the first wish to be granted and the Make-A-Wish Foundation was created.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is magical to children. Your told you can wish for anything and it is yours. Well, there is a whole lot that goes on behind the scenes to make these children’s dreams come true. When a child’s wish is granted it brings them hope and determination that they can fight their battles. A child who has reached the age of 2 ½ and younger than 18 when the wish request was done is eligible. The referral process easy and accessible to fill out online. Once the whole process is complete the child is given a magical day that they will for sure remember forever. The children’s dreams are endless and The Make-A-Wish Foundation will do anything to grant these wishes. The Make-A-Wish Foundation strives to take these children’s dreams and make them a reality.
Without the donations and volunteerism The Make A Wish Foundation wouldn’t be where it is today. One ad that sticks out from the rest on the website is the banner that is on the top of every page with the words, “Right now, we’re only able to grant wishes for 1 out of every 2 eligible kids. Your support can help. Give now” (The Make A Wish Foundation). On the website a donation form is on the front page giving donors the option to donate the amount they wish to choose. The Make A Wish Foundation is all over the world giving any child with an illness the equal opportunity to have their dreams come true.
Posting on social media is a way of getting news and stories out fast which is a perfect way for The Make A Wish Foundation to share the triumphant stories of the many children who beat their illnesses. The foundation uses many social media platforms to share stories and news. The hashtag #WishWednesday became trending on their Youtube channel intriguing subscribers to go on the channel every Wednesday to see a new video released. The videos of children’s having their wishes granted are both motivational to other children with illnesses to keep pushing and for watchers to donate to the foundation.
Make-A-Wish has had an impact on many lives. A personal example comes from a girl named Tallie, a friend of Sam’s, who was diagnosed with Leukemia in sixth grade. Throughout her battle with Leukemia, Make-A-Wish gave her something to look forward to. Today, Tallie looks back at her experience with Make-A-Wish and describes it as very impactful. Tallie decided her wish would be to take a family trip to Hawaii. A month after she was diagnosed, members from the Make-A-Wish team came to her house, in which Tallie and her family signed forms, and filled out forms asking about her favorite hobbies, interests and foods. When the day came for Tallie and her family to go on their trip, members from Make-A-Wish had a limo and gift baskets waiting for Tallie and her family. When she got on the plane the pilot gave her a shoutout, and when they landed there was a party waiting for them, it was a trip of a lifetime.
It pains everyone seeing a child battling a horrible, life-threatening disease. There is so much more a child has to experience in life past the early stages of childhood. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a charity created to give sick children an opportunity to live out a wish they’ve been dreaming about. Whether they want to meet a celebrity special to them or go on the trip of their dreams the Foundation is for all sorts of wishes to be granted. Make-A-Wish was created almost 40 years ago and is still running successfully today. They have made great contributions to children battling diseases, but it could not be as successful as it without the help and donations made from donors all over. They have reached the lives of people all around, some of which are people who are in our communities. The Foundation has an amazing back story, great contributions to children, generous supporters, and touching real life stories.
