On April 29, 1980, a 7-year-old boy named Chris Greicius realized his lifelong wish to become a police officer.  Many of those responsible for fulfilling Chris' wish wanted to do the same for other children with life-threatening medical conditions.  This led to the founding of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

 

The Make-A-Wish Foundationgrants wishes to children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 with life-threatening medical condtions.  It is the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 74 chapters in the United States and its territories and 28 international affiliates spanning five continents.  through private donations and the efforts of more than 25,000 volunteers, The Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted over 127,000 wishes around the world since its inception in 1980.  For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit www.wish.org.

 

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is headquartered in Wilkes-Barre and has additional offices in Pottsville and Allentown.  It was chartered in 1985 and serves the following counties: Berks, Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzern, Lycoming, Monoe, Montour, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne and Wyoming.  The chapter has granted over 1,000 wishes in its 18-year history and now anticipates 150 wished annually.

 

All wishes are granted regardless of race, religiona or socio-economic status.  Wish requests can be submitted to the Foundation by a parent, legal guardian or medical professional.  Our vision is that people everywhere will share the power of a wish .

 

All expenses for the fulfillment of th ewish are borne by the Foundation.  these may include, but are not limited to: special equipment and materials, travel, housing, incidentals, nursing support and event admissions.  If the fulfillment of the wishes involves travel, the wish-child's family (sibling and other relative in the household) may accompany the child.  The goal of the Foundation is to provide the wish-child and family with a lifetime memory, without concern for costs.

 

Monetary doantions and contribution to help defray the costs of granting these wishes are always welcome.  Individual, corporations and organizations have the opportunity to participate in our Adopt-A-Wish Program as Wishmakers ($7,900), Wish Partners ($5,000), Wish Supporter ($2,500) or Wish Friend ($1,500).  Donors may give a direct contribution or raise funds through special events.  Approximately 83% of the Foundations total revenue is spent funding wishes.  The Make-A-Wish Foundation  is a 501 (c) (3) corporation, and as such, contributions ar etax deductible.  Our indentification number is 23-2633423.