The replacement statue returns 15 months after it was stolen from the nonprofit
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (April 22, 2024) - Make-A-Wish Arizona is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Chris Greicius statue to its new home at the Parsons Wish House in Scottsdale, Arizona. To commemorate this occasion, Make-A-Wish Arizona will host a statue unveiling ceremony on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Linda Pauling, Chris Greicius' mother and Make-A-Wish Co-Founder, will be present to welcome the statue back. The original sculptor, Tom White, created the replacement statue for the organization, ensuring that Chris' memory lives on.
In January 2023, the statue honoring Chris Greicius, the 7-year-old boy whose battle with leukemia inspired the establishment of the Make-A-Wish Arizona, was tragically stolen from outside the Make-A-Wish America headquarters.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris home to Make-A-Wish. The statue’s return restores a piece of our history and serves as a powerful reminder of our mission,” said Fran Mallace, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona. “This celebration is not just about the statue's return but also the lasting impact Chris’ legacy has had on wish children and their families over that last 44 years."
The statue's return will coincide with another significant milestone for Make-A-Wish Arizona: the 8000th wish granted since its founding in 1980. The wish was granted to 5-year-old Mila, who has a rare disease causing non-cancerous tumors to grow in her body. Mila wished for a custom backyard playhouse with a slide where she could safely play and paint in a space all her own.
These celebrations mark the culmination of World Wish Month, a month-long tribute inspired by World Wish Day on April 29, which holds special meaning for Make-A-Wish, as it marks the day Chris Greicius had his wish granted to become an DPS officer for a day.
Chris' remarkable story inspired six individuals to establish the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which has since grown to encompass over 58 chapters nationwide, along with 40 international affiliates dedicated to the mission of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses.
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About Make-A-Wish® Arizona
Make-A-Wish Arizona creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and volunteers, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish Arizona has granted more than 8,000 wishes in the local community, contributing to the more than 360,000 wishes granted throughout the U.S. and its territories. With 58 chapters nationwide, Make-A-Wish is the most trusted nonprofit operating locally across 50 states. For more information about Make-A-Wish Arizona, visit arizona.wish.org.