Chris and Friends Make-A-Wish Foundation Make-A-Wish-Foundation The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to bring them hope, strength, and joy. Born in 1980 when a group of caring individuals helped a 7-year-old boy names Chris fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world. Serving every U.S. community, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants more than 12,500 wishes a year and has granted more than 135,000 wishes nationwide since its inception. Any child between the ages of 2 ½ to 18 who has a life-threatening medical condition may be eligible for a wish. A child can be referred to the Foundation by a medical professional, a parent or legal guardian.

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America

3550 North Central Avenue, Suite 300,

Phoenix, AZ 85012-2127

E-Mail: mawfa@wish.org

Telephone: (800) 722-WISH (9474)

FAX: (602) 279-0855

http://www.wish.org

“Because he was a very sick little boy, Christopher James Greicius’s dream meant more to him than anything. In 1977, the 4½-year-old was diagnosed with leukemia and given three years to live. In all his short life, Chris wanted nothing more than to be a police officer. He was awestruck by their strength and power. Becoming one of “the good guys” meant more to him than just about anything. He couldn't have known that this simple dream would serve as the inspiration for the largest wish-granting organization in the world. During his illness, Chris and his mother, Linda Bergendahl-Pauling, had been introduced through mutual friends to U.S. Customs Officer Tommy Austin. An instant bond was formed upon first meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, when little Chris looked up at Tommy and displayed his law enforcement skills saying, "Freeze, I'm a cop!” Tommy had promised Chris a ride in a police helicopter in the spring of 1980 when Chris’ condition worsened. Tommy went into action, contacting Officer Ron Cox at the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) about making his young friend’s wish come true. Ron was more than eager to oblige, recruiting other DPS members to create an even more magical experience for Chris…”