We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
National History
In 1980, Chris Grecious was a 7-year old boy being treated for leukemia. Whenever he saw a police officer, he saw everything he wanted to be. Law enforcement officers heard about Chris' wish to be a police officer and responded to the call. A police helicopter flew him to headquarters for a tour, a ride in a patrol car and a ceremony making him the first-ever honorary state patrolman in Arizona history. They also presented him a custom-tailored uniform, motorcycle helmet, campaign hat and motorcycle wings he earned on his own battery-powered bike. Many of those responsible for fulfilling Chris' wish wanted to do the same for other children with life-threatening medical conditions and founded the Make-A-Wish Foundation in November 1980.
Now, the Make-A-Wish Foundation is the nation's largest wish-granting organization. It has fulfilled the wishes of more than 174,000 children in the United States and its territories since 1980. Based in Phoenix, the Make-A-Wish Foundation serves every community in the United States, Guam and Puerto Rico through its 65 chapters.
Local History
Incorporated in 1984, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina granted its first wish that same year on November 10th. Louis, age 5, was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and his wish was to see "a big time football game". He attended a home game at the Citadel in Charleston. The team presented Louis with his very own uniform, and he was allowed to run out onto the field with all of the players. That day Louis watched the game, not in the stands like other fans, but on the benches with the players. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina has granted over 1700 wishes since Louis' wish and continues to grant more than 135 wishes annually throughout the state.
Fulfilling a child's wish provides a joyful and meaningful experience that is life affirming and beneficial to both the child and the family. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina, visit www.sc.wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish.
Funding Sources
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that finances its work through the generous contributions of individuals, corporate sponsorships, planned gifts and grants. The Make-A-Wish Foundation does not raise funds by door-to-door, telephone solicitation methods or receive funding from federal, state or local goverment programs. In-kind donations of goods and services, such as frequent flier miles and hotel loyalty points, also help finance the Foundation's mission.
Wish recipients Corbin & Rylan at the 2008 Waves & Wishes
Members of the Dolphin Track Team showing support for fellow wish kids by participating in the run
