The Make-A-Wish Foundation® was founded in 1980 after a little boy named Chris Greicius realized his heartfelt wish to become a police officer. Since its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 150,000 children worldwide.
 Chris Greicius -On April 29, 1980, a vibrant, dynamic 7-year-old boy from Phoenix, Arizona, named Chris Greicius, realized his lifelong dream to become a police officer. Chris' incredible day included riding in a police helicopter, receiving his own custom-tailored uniform, and becoming the first and only honorary state trooper in Arizona history. 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.
Incorporated late in 1982, Make-A-Wish®, Hawaii, is the 13th of 69 chapters in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Territory of Guam, that comprise the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America. There are also 30 affiliates on five continents that comprise Make-A-Wish Foundation® International. The Hawaii chapter has grown steadily with the help of caring people who volunteer their time and support. The first Hawaii wish was granted in 1984. Now, 23 years later, more than 600 wishes have been completed.
Since we began, the wishes may have changed, evolved, become more challenging, but the simple act of wishing for something impossible and finding that it can come true has remained the same. The purity of the Make-A-Wish mission has stayed intact-one child at a time-one dream, and a family of volunteers, donors and staff who, together, wave a magic wand and POOF-it happens.
Make-A-Wish® encourages the entire family to be part of the wish experience, knowing that parents and siblings need magic just as much as the wish child.
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