
I was introduced to Make-A-Wish in 2010 with the help of an amazing young girl named Chloe Madigan, who was diagnosed with cancer. Alongside her incredible family (parents Joe and Lisa and older brother Colin), I saw firsthand the power of Make-A-Wish (MAW) and the impact kindness can have not only on a little girl but also on an entire community. Since then, I have been involved with MAW through corporate outreach, fundraising, volunteering, and, most importantly, directly in wish granting.
The establishment of Make-A-Wish traces back to 1980 when Chris Greicius, a 7-year-old battling leukemia with a bleak prognosis, nurtured a dream of becoming a police officer. Through the coordinated efforts of his mother and family friends, what initially began as a visit to the Phoenix Police Department blossomed into a transformative experience. Chris not only had the opportunity to ride in a police car but also received a tailor-made official Police Department uniform. His adventure soared to greater heights as he took to the skies in a police helicopter and even conquered the “Motorcycle Officer Training” course, deftly maneuvering the challenge on his electric scooter. This poignant event served as the catalyst for establishing Make-A-Wish (MAW) in Phoenix later that year, with a resolute mission to fulfill the wishes of children facing critical illnesses.
In 2013, I took part in the most significant wish event—Batkid saves San Francisco! You can learn more here. The pervasive positive energy throughout the city that day was truly special, and I feel thankful to have been a part of it.
Make-A-Wish’s global reach spans 50 countries, with over 24,000 volunteers and an impressive track record of granting over 520,000 wishes. With an average wish cost of $9,000, the organization exemplifies financial responsibility, with 77 cents of every donated dollar directly funding wish fulfillment. Noteworthy wish granter John Cena, having been involved in over 650 wishes, stands as a testament to the commitment and dedication driving MAW’s mission.
Make-A-Wish (MAW) was founded on the simple principle and powerful belief that a single wish has the potential to transform lives through the boundless capacity of human kindness. Hope and resilience become catalysts for healing and inspiration, benefiting not only the wish child but also their family.
Community support for organizations like MAW holds incredible healing power. Studies have shown that positive emotions can have a tangible impact on physical well-being, an essential element in holistic healing.
MAW is not just an organization; it’s a beacon of hope, a generator of joy and a testament to the incredible things that can happen when people come together with a shared purpose. The magic lies not only in the wishes granted but in the countless lives touched and transformed by the power of compassion and the belief that every child deserves a moment to dream, smile, and experience the magic that life has to offer.
I encourage everyone to explore MAW and discover how you can contribute. I challenge you to shift your thinking from “One Day” to “Day One!” and embark on a journey of self-discovery through volunteering.