Return to mobile version
Email this page Tweet this page More sharing options

About Us

Photo of President and CEO
A Message from Our President

"Welcome to Wish.org, the online home of the nation’s largest wish-granting organization. Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. From our humble beginnings with one boy’s wish to be a police officer, we’ve evolved into an organization that grants a child’s wish in the U.S. every 40 minutes."

Read More from President David Williams...

Our Mission

Photo of wish child & parents

Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors, and entire communities.

Click here to read more...
The First Wish

Photo of Christopher James Greicius

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® traces its beginning to one boy’s wish. In 1980, 7-year-old Christopher James Greicius was being treated for leukemia. Every day, he dreamed of becoming a police officer.
U.S. Customs Officer Tommy Austin had befriended Chris and his mother, Linda Bergendahl-Pauling.

Click here to read more...
How We Grant Wishes

Photo of Frank “Bopsy” Salazar -- the first wish child

First, we determine a child’s medical eligibility with the help of the treating physician. To receive a wish, the child must be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition – i.e., a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy.
Once we know the child is medically eligible...

Click here to read more...

Your financial support transforms lives and makes a child's wish come true. Please donate now.

Dalton, 9, wished to have a voice through a computerized speech device.

"It's going to change our lives ... it has already in the two weeks he's had it."

—Dalton's mom

© 2006- Make-A-Wish Foundation of America