National History
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Born in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 67 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 161,000 wishes in the U.S. since inception.
Local History
Incorporated in 1984, The Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The first wish we granted was to Louis, a five year old who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. His wish was to see "a big time football game". He attended a home game at the Citadel in Charleston. He was presented with his own team uniform and was able to run out onto the field with the players. Louis watched the game not in the stands like the other fans, but on the benches with the players. Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina has granted 1,626 wishes since Louis's wish and continues to grant over 125 wishes throughout the state each year.
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®.
