Make-A-Wish Foundation® Celebrates 500th Wish

Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of America was born in 1980 after a seven-year-old boy name Christopher Greicius stole the hearts of law enforcement officials in Phoenix, Arizona. Greicius, who was battling leukemia, dreamed of becoming a police officer. As Chris’s condition worsened, law enforcement officials planned a magical day which included a ride in a police helicopter, meeting with Arizona Department of Public Safety command staff, being sworn in as the first honorary DPS patrolman in state history, and being custom-fitted for a DPS uniform. A few days later Chris passed away, but not before seeing his dream come true and experiencing the hope, strength and joy that came from receiving his wish.

In the past 28 years, the Make-A-Wish Foundation^®has granted more than 170,000 wishes. The Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Greater Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana has grown to become the largest chapter in the country since its inception 25 years ago. “Our Kentucky regional office opened here in Louisville in 2001; we opened our Lexington satellite office in 2005,” remarked Executive Director Mark Drennan.

While much has changed over the years, the Foundation remains steadfast in its mission: “We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy,” said Drennan. Any child over the age of 2 ½ and under the age of 18, diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition may qualify for a wish.

Every wish is uniquely tailored for each child and family, although four common themes emerge for the wishes we grant: I wish to go…a destination wish; I wish to meet…a celebrity-oriented wish; I wish to be…an occupation wish; and I wish to have…a special gift wish, according to Drennan.

Earlier this year, the Kentucky regional office celebrated its 500^th wish. Nine-year-old Will (shown left with wish-child David, far left) knew what it meant to have his wish come true – to lead the parade as Grand Marshal at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. Will was so moved by his wish experience that he raised funds so that he could grant a wish.

Louisville’s “little wish granter” returned to Churchill Downs where he raised $6,000 last November and granted the region’s 500^th wish to three-year-old David. The Nabb, Indiana native who is battling Left Heart Syndrome, seen below with his sister Cadence, enjoys visiting with Pluto and Goofy at Disney.

One month after returning from his trip, David had the last of a long line of surgeries to repair the defect in his heart. We are pleased to report that David is doing well, and his surgery was a success. “He has been playing soccer in the yard, he is happy, and does not get short of breath anymore,” says Dave Moore, little David’s father. “His little nose is not blue anymore (it’s pink), and he has endless energy,” adds David’s mom, Tammy. Dave and Tammy want to express their thanks to the Leonberger family and Will for sponsoring their magical trip to Florida.

Despite an uncertain economy, Drennan says he hopes to grant 102 wishes this year. “Our referrals are up 35% over this time last year, so the need for our program is growing. We are all stretched financially and wish families are no exception. The financial, emotional and physical challenges our wish families endure is remarkable. I am more thankful than ever to have the opportunity to empower a child with a wish that will nourish their spirit and ease their pain,” he said.

Make-A-Wish volunteers and business partners are at the core of a wish come true. More than 1,000 Kentuckians support the Foundation’s mission by donating funds, fulfilling wishes, assisting with special events, and helping with fundraising activities.

On November 20-21, 102.3 The Max is holding a Request-A-Thon to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® Kentucky offices. “Title sponsor, Citicards, has already pledged a sizeable contribution and employee volunteers for this fundraiser,” remarked Drennan.

There are many ways businesses can personally connect to wish families in the local community. Corporate programs that promote employee engagement are available including:

SPONSOR AN HONORARY WISH CHILD