The First Wish      
Christopher James Greicius

The creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation was inspired in the U.S. in 1980 by the fulfillment of a wish of a 7-year-old boy with leukemia named Chris Greicius, who wished to be a policeman. His mother, several friends and a group of police officers, with the cooperation of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, granted his wish. On  April 29, 1980, was Chris' special day – a DPS helicopter picked him up and escorted him around the city of Phoenix, landing at the DPS. Three squad cars and a motorcycle ridden by Officer Frank Shankwitz welcomed their new friend. On May 1st, several officers presented Chris, whose illness had taken a turn for the worse, with an official Arizona Highway Patrol uniform (the owner and two seamstresses from John's Uniforms worked all night to custom tailor this uniform!)

On May 2, 1980, Chris was back in the hospital. He was so proud and happy about being a patrolman that he asked that his uniform be hung in the window of his room and his motorcycle helmet and "Smokey the Bear" hat be placed on his dresser so he could see them. To make Chris' wish even more complete, Officer Frank presented Chris with a set of uniform motorcycle wings. Chris' smile lit up the room. The following day, Chris Greicius passed away, but not before having realized his greatest dream.


1. Robyn Moore with Jessica
2. The Power of a Wish
3. Robyn at a Make-A-Wish function

 

Make-A-Wish Australia:

"We bring magic and joy to children with a life-threatening illness by granting a cherished wish."

Robyn first became involved with Make-A-Wish (thanks to "Blinky Bill") in 1997. She is now very privileged to be the National Patron of this "life-altering" charity…the only children's charity in Australia that focuses solely on Wish granting. As a volunteer, she is also a "wish-granter" and constantly learns and grows  from these profoundly satisfying, moving and magical encounters with our awesome children and their families. This direct experience allows Robyn to connect with the staff and volunteers and to authentically share "the power of a wish" with her audiences around Australia.

Visit Make-A-Wish Australia:
http://www.makeawish.org.au

 

Robyn Moore