Chris' Wish

On April 29, 1980, a 7-year-old boy with leukemia made a wish that came true – and sparked a global movement that continues to deliver hope to children, families, and communities around the world. 

The little boy named Chris Greicius wanted to be a police officer. For one magical day, his wish came true: he donned a DPS-custom-made uniform; was sworn in as a police officer; rode in a helicopter; visited the director; and was certified as a motorcycle officer. The experience meant so much to Chris that when he passed away, his parents buried him in the police uniform made for him as a part of his wish. Those involved in that first wish realized the magnitude of the gift given to Chris and his family and vowed to do it for other children.

From that grassroots effort, Make-A-Wish was born. Since then, the organization has evolved to become the world's largest wish-granting organization, with 59 chapters in the United States and affiliates throughout the world, granting wishes in almost 50 countries. 

For children battling a critical illness, wishes provide what medicine cannot – extraordinary and memorable experiences that make an illness the least of their worries. The experience can be a gamechanger that brings joy and a sense of normalcy back into a family’s life, helping children build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness.

Chris' wish inspired the establishment of this organization and made it possible for wishes like the ones below to come true.