A Foundation That Makes a Difference By Lily Morgan At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit entity that helps to ‘grant wishes’ to children with life-threatening conditions who are aged between 2.5 years to 18 years. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has affiliates from other countries across the world and their support for this non-profit organization has enabled children and teenagers to have an enriching human experience. This organization has undoubtedly given many children strength to continue living and hope to look forward to better times. It is also a great source of strength to both the children and the caregivers.

The history of make-A-Wish Foundation can be traced back to a 7-year old boy named Christopher James Grecius who had been hospitalized with leukemia in 1980 at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. The wish of Christopher was to become a police officer for one day. Thus, the Arizona Department of Public Safety together with members of the community came together and granted Christopher’s ‘wish’. Just four days after this happened, Christopher Grecius died. However, the abundant media coverage that accompanied that event led to the founding of the present charity organization. From then on, the organization has continued to grant wishes to children from other countries. There have also been a number of organizations that have come up that act as umbrella organizations fostering the growth of make-a-Wish worldwide.

In recent years, the organization has seen a number of celebrities become icons to the foundation and other organizations from networks to advance the cause of the organization. Their support in offering grants and contributing to the charity has undoubtedly helped to make the organization grant more wishes to the needy in society. In 2006, the ESPN television network partnered with the foundation and was able to grant wishes of ten children who wished things related to athletes and sports. In fact in a segment of the televised Sportscenter, a series showcased the wish granting of the children under a series termed as ‘My Wish’.

The famous musician Mariah Carey has also played a pivotal role in support of the organization. She has granted wishes to dozens across the United States and her committed volunteer work has had positive results. Her generosity has seen her donate 6 figure grants and she has gone ahead to help children take her place in music award shows. The famous WWE owners, Linda and Vince McMahon are also part of the foundation. They form part of the National advisory Council. In April 2007, Michael Pena was granted a wish to become General Manager for the night by the wrestler Mick Foley. There are many documented stories that show how children lives have been transformed with the help of the foundation.

One wish granted involves a 12-year old boy named Austin. Make-A-Wish foundation was able to grant Austin’s wish to take a trip to Hawaii. The foundation sent him on a tropical vacation and experienced the sandy beaches and salty water of the Hawaiian coasts. Austin also got to meet other kids who had their dreams come true like Austin’s. Austin’s story is just one of the many that prove that foundations like Make-A-Wish are making a difference.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=328788&ca=Society

Important Notice DISCLAIMER: All information, content, and data in this article are sole opinions and/or findings of the individual user or organization that registered and submitted this article at Isnare.com without any fee. The article is strictly for educational or entertainment purposes only and should not be used in any way, implemented or applied without consultation from a professional. We at Isnare.com do not, in anyway, contribute or include our own findings, facts and opinions in any articles presented in this site. Publishing this article does not constitute Isnare.com's support or sponsorship for this article. Isnare.com is an article publishing service. Please read our Terms of Service for more information.