Events & Promotions

Thank you for supporting the Foundation's World Wish Day

Type: Announcements
*Global celebration of wish-granting included Massachusetts child's wish to meet Miley Cyrus* Thirty years ago, a little boy named Christopher carried a special dream in his heart. As he fought through leukemia treatments, Chris wished to don the uniform of his heroes and become a police officer. On April 29, 1980, volunteers brought his wish to life. Just weeks before he passed away, Chris became an honorary officer, complete with uniform, badge, and helicopter ride to police headquarters. His wish inspired the creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and sparked a global movement of wish-granting. To honor the 30th anniversary of this "first wish," the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island invited our community to celebrate World Wish Day! Christopher's wish has paved the way to 4,400 wishes in Massachusetts, 1,000 wishes in Rhode Island, and 240,000 wishes worldwide. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Our Community's First Wish Locally, the Make-A-Wish Foundation began as a small chapter based in Boston. In 1987, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Boston fulfilled its very first wish to a girl diagnosed with Niemann-Pick disease. As she bravely faced her treatments, little Colleen dreamed of visiting the shore with her family. With a flourish of magic, a dedicated band of volunteers turned her wish into reality. Twenty-three years later, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island spans two states and is striving to grant 400 wishes this year. As we remember Christopher on World Wish Day, we also remember Colleen. Thank you for being a part of this global and local commitment to changing children’s lives. Click here to learn more about the history of our organization. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Our World Wish Day Celebration To commemorate World Wish Day, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island granted a child's wish to meet Miley Cyrus. On April 28th, 12-year-old Brittany from Wareham met the famous teen singer and actress at The Grove in Los Angeles. Brittany joined 29 other wish children and their families for a special World Wish Day celebration, where Miley performed her inspiring song, "The Climb." Like Colleen and thousands of children before her, Brittany had the opportunity to leave illness behind, discover new courage, and shine with pure joy - all through the power of a wish. Click here to read the stories of other children's wishes. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Join Our Global Celebration On World Wish Day, individuals across the community joined the celebration by raising awareness of our mission. Many posted special messages through their Facebook and Twitter accounts to commemorate the occasion. It's never too late to share the power of our mission! If you missed World Wish Day, you can still support our work in the following ways. Spread the Word: Share this link with your friends and post a message about the Foundation on Facebook and Twitter! (Sample message: "Help to change a child's life! The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Make wishes come true by visiting www.massri.wish.org.") Refer a Child: If you know a child in your community who may qualify for a wish, please click here to learn more about our referral and wish-granting process. Be Inspired: Bookmark and visit our website - www.massri.wish.org - to read children's stories, become a volunteer, make a donation, or simply become inspired by our mission of joy!

Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Massachusetts and Rhode Island 1-888-354-9474