What does Make-A-Wish do?

Make-A-Wish America is the largest wish-granting organization in the United States, dedicated to creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona, the organization was inspired by the wish of a young boy named Christopher James Greicius. Since its inception, Make-A-Wish has expanded to serve communities across the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico through 60 chapters, and it operates in nearly 50 countries worldwide. The mission of Make-A-Wish is to provide hope, joy, and strength to children facing life-threatening medical conditions by granting their wishes. On average, a wish is granted every 34 minutes, with popular experiences including meeting celebrities and visiting theme parks. The organization relies on contributions from individuals and corporate sponsors, along with the support of nearly 40,000 volunteers, to fulfill these wishes. Research shows that having wishes granted can significantly improve the physical and emotional well-being of children, enhancing their quality of life.