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Make-A-Wish Foundation
After being formed in 1980, the Make-A-Wish
Foundation has since been helping children everywhere in the United
States. Children with critical diseases, who
do not have the chance to do what they normally would like to because of their
disease, are given a large wish that the foundation is glad to grant. The foundation started in the hopes of one
small wish, which soon blossomed into millions. It has now produced great
happiness for children with critical diseases.
As a small child, all Christopher
Greicius wanted was to become a police officer. Although he had a serious
medical condition, he kept dreaming. Luckily for Chris, in 1977, he and his
mother met U.S. Customs Officer, Tommy Austin. He was a joy for Chris to have
around, becoming his role model. Tommy soon became a close friend of Chris and
his mother, and he promised to Chris to grant him a special wish.
Chris’ condition got progressively
worse. By 1980, he was faltering badly. Realizing Chris might not have much
time left, Tommy Austin tried to make Chris’ wish come true. He contacted a man
he knew at the Arizona Department of Public Safety. His name was Officer Ron
Cox. Ron thought Tommy’s idea for Chris was a great idea, and soon requested a
highway patrol uniform be made for Chris. On May 1, Chris was presented with
this uniform by many officers of the Arizona Highway Patrol. He was more than
delighted. He had one last step to accomplishing his goal, and that was to pass
the motorcycle proficiency test. Of course, that was a piece of cake for Chris.
The day after receiving his
uniform and passing the motorcycle proficiency test, Chris died. He was buried
in Kewanee, Illinois,
and attending his funeral were many of the officers who presented him with his
uniform. Going home to Arizona,
the officers discussed Chris and his experience in life. Conceiving the plans
that if a sick child just got one last wish how wonderful it could be. Thus,
the Chris Greicius Make-A-Wish Foundation was born, later shortening the name
to just Make-A-Wish Foundation. It was officially incorporated on May 13, 1983, and by the year 2000 at
least 80,000 wishes had been completed.
The foundation has some minor
standards that “Wishers” must abide by. Children from two years old to 18 years
old are eligible for a wish. The child must be referred from a parent or
guardian, his or herself, or the medical professional treating a
life-threatening condition. Children can
only be accepted if no other foundations have helped them. Also, the cost of
the wish is not put on the parents or guardians’ shoulders. The cost is covered
by the foundation, in hopes that the child’s wish is fulfilled, without the
worries of fiscal matters getting in the way.
Expenses of wishes vary. There
are four main types of wishes. Children can ask to travel or go somewhere, they
can ask to become something, they can ask to meet someone or a group of people,
and they can ask to have something. With these four categories are certain
limitations, but overall the children get what they ask for and are thrilled
with what they receive.
Knowing all this information is
a great way to realize all the trouble and expenses the foundation goes
through. By donating to the foundation, you are not only keeping the foundation
alive, but keeping the hopes and wishes of ill children alive, and actually
making those hopes and wishes come true. By making even a small donation of a
few dollars a month, you can keep this foundation growing. Start donating
today. Think of giving the money away as giving someone you love a gift.
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