Aspecialdreamasecret,hopedforwishthatistheessenceandwonderofchildhood.Gratefully,mostchildrenhavealifetimeaheadtoexperienceagainandagainthejoythathavingawish-come-truecanbring.Butforthechildwhoisafflictedwithatragic,life-threateningillness,adream-come-trueisaveryspecialmiracle.TransformingthosedreamsintorealityisthejoboftheMake-A-WishFoundation.InthisarticleHowdidMake-a-Wishbegin?Howistheorganisationstructured.?Whoiseligibleforawish?HowdidMake-a-Wishbegin?Thefirstwishwasgrantedin1980toa7-year-oldPhoenix,Arizonaboywithleukemia.OfficersfromtheArizonaDepartmentofPublicSafetygrantedhiswishtobeapoliceofficerwithacustommadeuniform,helmetbadgeandevenahelicopterride!ThatchildsdelightinhavinghiswishcometrueinspiredagroupofvolunteerstoformMake-A-Wish.Howistheorganisationstructured.?In1983,Make-A-WishFoundationofAmericawasfoundedtocharterlocalchaptersthroughouttheUnitedStatesanditsterritories.Today,thereare79chaptersandseveralinternationalaffiliates.Whoiseligibleforawish?Anychildunder18yearsoldwhohasbeendeterminedbyaphysiciantohaveaterminalillnessorlife-threateningmedicalconditioncreatingtheprobabilitythechildwillnotsurvivebeyondhisorher18thyear.Make-A-Wishgrantswishestoalleligiblechildrenregardlessofrace,religionorsocio-economicstatus.Alsothechildcannothavebeengrantedapreviouswish.Next-MoreonWishes
A special dream a secret, hoped for wish that is the essence and wonder of childhood. Gratefully, most children have a lifetime ahead to experience again and again the joy that having a wish-come-true can bring.
But for the child who is afflicted with a tragic, life-threatening illness, a dream-come-true is a very special miracle.
Transforming those dreams into reality is the job of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
How did Make-a-Wish begin ?
The first wish was granted in 1980 to a 7-year- old Phoenix, Arizona boy with leukemia. Officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety granted his wish to be a police officer with a custom made uniform, helmet badge and even a helicopter ride! That child's delight in having his wish come true inspired a group of volunteers to form Make-A-Wish.
How is the organisation structured.?
In 1983, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America was founded to charter local chapters throughout the United States and its territories. Today, there are 79 chapters and several international affiliates.
Who is eligible for a wish ?
Any child under 18 years old who has been determined by a physician to have a terminal illness or life-threatening medical condition creating the probability the child will not survive beyond his or her 18th year. Make-A-Wish grants wishes to all eligible children regardless of race, religion or socio-economic status. Also the child cannot have been granted a previous wish.
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