The national Make-A-Wish Foundation is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. What began as a dying wish from a young leukemia patient in Phoenix has grown into a worldwide organization with 62 individual chapters across the U.S.
Since it was formed in 1980, the national foundation has granted more than 330,000 wishes, ranging from the heartbreaking to the heart-warming and everything else in between.
Make-A-Wish Colorado has granted more than 5,500 individual wishes in every corner of the state. The mile-high mark for Colorado’s program was reached in 2019 when “Wish Number 5280” was granted to a 6-year-old boy from Denver who wanted to become a garbage truck driver. Among those who helped make his dream come true were members of the Denver Broncos, Maggiano’s, the Ritz Carlton and the Denver Fire Department. “Behind every wish there is a huge network of people who helped make it come true. Everyone from the donors to the volunteers to the local businesses that provide food, costumes, lodging, tickets and more plays an integral role,” said Make-A-Wish CEO Scott Dishong. In other words, the organization’s goals are driven by the generosity of individuals, communities, businesses and local agencies.
Wishes are granted in one of three ways:
through the medical professionals treating an individual child;
by a parent or legal guardian, or;
by children themselves. Referrals for wishes are available online at the Make-A-Wish Colorado website at colorado.wish.org.
For information on donating, volunteering, fundraising, counseling or any other part of this worthwhile organization, contact the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado, 7951 E. Maplewood Ave., Suite 126, Greenwood Village, CO 80111; phone (303) 750-9474
