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The Make-A-Wish Foundation traces its beginning back to a boy named Chris Greicius. He was 7 years old and was being treated for leukemia, he dreamed of being a police officer. U.S. Customs Officer Tommy Austin had become friends with Chris and his mother, Linda Bergendahl-Pauling. He promised Chris a ride in a helicopter and when his conditions worsened Austin contacted Ron Cox, an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer, and planned a very special day for Chris. On April 29, 1980, Austin and a caring group of DPS personnel made Chris's day the best day he had ever had. This included a ride in a helicopter, a ceremony of being sworn in as the first honorary DPS patrolman in state history, his very own uniform, and receiving wings to pin onto his uniform. Chris passed away a few days later, but before he did, he saw his dream come true.
This image was found on google images
Scott Stahl and Frank Shankwitz, both DPS officers, were sent to say goodbye to Chris. When they arrived they saw how happy Chris was after his wish came true, and how it put a smile on his face and took some of his pain away. "They thought that if one boy's wish could create such happiness, maybe they could do the same for other children." They presented their idea to others who had helped Chris's dreams come true. Chris's mom, Linda, and others agreed and helped with their plan, starting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, once known as the Chris Greicius Make-A-Wish Memorial.
This image was found on http://www.wish.org/about/the_first_wish/the_inspiration
Quoted from their website, the Make-A-Wish Foundation's goal is to "grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy."
The Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted 153,212 wishes total!