Make-A-Wish® traces its inspiration to Christopher James Greicius, an energetic 7-year-old boy battling leukemia, who wished to be a police officer. Loved ones came together on April 29, 1980, to help make his biggest dream come true. His wish ignited a spark that became a global movement that went to transform millions of lives.

Today, Make-A-Wish has been granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses for nearly 43 years, in 50 countries across five continents all over the world. Today, over 500,000 wishes later, every wish has the power to create hope, renew energy, and provide a child with the strength to fight their critical illness. It can even help pave their path to recovery.

Thank you to Chris's mother, Linda Pauling, the Greicius family and the founders for their tireless dedication to our mission. Every year, Make-A-Wish chapters come together to celebrate World Wish Day on April 29, the anniversary of the wish that inspired our mission and the lives that have been changed ever since.