April 29th 2021 – World Wish Day - Marks the 41st Anniversary of Make-A-Wish®
Community Invited to Refer Eligible Children: Don’t Wait for Hope, Create It
April 28, 2021
MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ - For over four decades, Make-A-Wish has created life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses around the world. April 29, 2021 marks the 41st anniversary of the day that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish and has become known as World Wish Day.
In April 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona, seven-year-old Chris Greicius, who was battling leukemia, wanted to be a police officer. Members of law enforcement, including U.S. Customs agents and the Department of Public Safety, came together to create a life-changing experience for him. From a full police uniform, to tours in a squad car and even a ride in a helicopter, Chris’ experience provided him a level of joy that hadn’t been seen in a long time.
On May 3,1980, Chris passed away and was given a full police ceremony. Those involved in Chris’ special day - including his mother Linda Pauling - were determined they could provide the same level of hope, strength and joy for more kids like Chris battling life-threatening medical conditions, and it was decided that they would create an unparalleled type of charity known as Make-A-Wish, to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
“He was only seven years, 269 days old when he died, but he taught me about being a man,” shared Tommy Austin, Make-A-Wish® co-founder and retired U.S. Customs agent. “Even though he was only a boy, I can tell you that because of meeting Chris, I am an entirely different man.”
Since April 1980, Make-A-Wish has created life-changing wishes for over 500,000 children battling critical illnesses around the world, serving nearly 50 countries on five continents. On April 29th - World Wish Day – Make-A-Wish New Jersey is reaching out to its supporters throughout the Garden State in a continued effort towards its vision to reach every eligible child and provide them with a life-changing wish experience.
“On this World Wish Day, we draw strength and inspiration from our founders,” Weatherall continued. “We stand on their shoulders, and we honor them with a promise to advance their original vision. Wishes are not cancelled because hope cannot and will not be cancelled. We are in the business of creating hope for children when they need it most.”
A child between the age of 2 ½ and prior to their 18th birthday who is battling a critical illness that has put their life in jeopardy may qualify for a wish. The child may also not have had a wish granted by another wish granting organization. Children with qualifying medical conditions can be referred to Make-A-Wish by members of the medical community (doctors, nurses, social workers and child life specialists), family members of the child being referred, or even the child themselves.
Children with critical illnesses can be referred to Make-A-Wish by visiting NJ.WISH.ORG or calling 609.371.9474.
Make-A-Wish New Jersey was founded in 1983 and has granted more than 11,000 wishes to children in every county, town and municipality of the Garden State. Their home is in Monroe Township, at the Samuel & Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place. Opening its doors in December 2011, the Wishing Place is a magical and whimsical wish-granting castle, and the only one of its kind. It provides an environment that is free of limitations, confinement, and stress. It stimulates the imagination and reveals to children with critical illnesses the imaginative possibilities of a wish.
Don’t wait for hope, create it. For more information about Make-A-Wish New Jersey and how you can play a key role in creating hope for the future, visit nj.wish.org.