In 1980, a 7-year-old Phoenix, Arizona boy with Leukemia inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish. He wanted to be a police officer. A group of officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety granted his wish by giving him a custom-made uniform, helmet, badge, and even a helicopter ride!

This wish inspired the group to do other wishes and in 1983, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America was founded to charter other local chapters in the US.

Today, Make-A-Wish Foundation® serves children in 22 countries on five continents - North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia.