Chris' Dream  |  Beginning of a Foundation  |  The First "Make-A-Wish" Child  |  Inspiring a Nation

Chris was to be buried in Kewanee, Ill. DPS spokesman Allan Schmidt promised that two Arizona officers would make the trip to Illinois to say goodbye to Chris. Scott Stahl, a DPS officer and Joliet, Ill., native, joined Frank Shankwitz on the poignant mission.

They saw how happy Chris was knowing his wish came true, and that the wish seemed to take some of Chris and Linda's pain away – replacing the anguish with smiles and laughter. They thought that if one boy's wish could create such happiness, maybe they could do the same for other children. They presented the plan to the people who helped grant Chris' wish. Linda and others endorsed the plan. Thus, the Chris Greicius Make-A-Wish Memorial – which later became known as the Make-A-Wish Foundation – was born.

The Foundation’s first donation was $15 from a grocery store manager. He pulled the money from his wallet after Shankwitz, who was working off-duty as an undercover security officer at the store, told him about the plan. In November 1980, the Foundation received its tax-exempt status as a nonprofit organization and began fundraising in earnest. Media reports inspired people throughout Arizona to generously donate to the Foundation's first wish. By March 1981, the Foundation had raised more than $2,000, enough to grant another child’s wish.