Celebrating Our Chapter's 40th Anniversary
On May 5, 1983, Make-A-Wish® Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia began revealing the power of a wish with seven-year-old Bryan, who was diagnosed with cancer. As our chapter’s first wish kid, Bryan longed to visit his favorite uncle for one of their traditional piggyback rides. Bryan saw his uncle as a father figure, and was devastated when his uncle moved to Midland, Texas. Back in McKeesport, Pa., Bryan missed him more than anything.
With the help of caring people all over Pittsburgh who understood the importance of a child’s wish, Make-A-Wish® raised the funds and made the arrangements for a trip that began two days before Bryan’s seventh birthday. Bryan became the darling of the community, receiving gifts like a birthday pizza party, a mound of presents piled on his uncle’s front porch, a key to the city, and more.
"Bryan captured the hearts of the citizens of Midland, not only with his story as a child with cancer wanting to see his uncle, but also with his courageous enthusiasm toward each new day, his contagious smile and his laugh,” Bryan’s Aunt Mary said. “He made everyone who got to know him realize how precious every moment can be when we are with the ones we love."
Thus began our chapter’s story of changing lives in our communities. To date, Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia has granted more than 21,000 wishes. We have granted wishes of all sorts, ranging from trips to the Florida theme parks, meeting athletes from local sports teams, hot tubs, shopping sprees and more.
We firmly believe that wishes have a life-changing impact on wish kids and their families. According to a 2020 survey commissioned by Make-A-Wish® America, 98% of health professionals said they believe the wish experience can influence wish kids’ physical health. 97% of wish parents said their child’s wish made their child feel more joyful. Wishes have the power to transform lives by creating an opportunity for hope and the ability to experience life beyond illness. Take Bryan’s mother's word for it.
We are so thankful to our partners, donors, volunteers, and supporters across our region for making these past 40 years possible. We look forward to granting many more wishes and inspiring hope for children with critical illnesses in the community for years to come.
GIVE $40 for 40 Years
You can spark joy for even more wish kids when you donate $40 or more, in honor of our chapter's 40th Anniversary. Create hope for kids facing the unimaginable and help grant wishes beyond our 40-year milestone.