History
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Incorporated in 1985, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central New York, Inc. is a nonprofit,
tax-exempt organization dedicated to granting special wishes to children under the
age 18 who are living with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human
experience with hope, strength and joy. In granting a favorite wish, the Foundation
strives to provide the wish child and family with extra-special memories of joy and
laughter, which are in dramatic contrast to the hospital, doctors, and treatment programs.
A wish offers a welcome respite--a time for just plain fun!
Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central New York serves 15 counties. Since 1985 the
dreams of more than 1030 special Central New York kids have come true. This milestone
has been made possible through the generosity of our donors and the commitment of our
volunteers.
Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America began with the dreams of a little boy living with
leukemia, Chris Grecius, who wanted to be a police officer. Arizona Customs Officer
Tommy Austin, along with officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety,
granted his wish with a custom-made uniform, helmet, badge, and even a helicopter ride.
That one child’s special delight in having his dream come true provided the inspiration
for the Foundation. Wishes are granted to medically eligible children regardless of race,
religion, or economic status.
Children and their families usually learn about the Make-A-Wish Foundation® through
physicians, nurses, social workers, family members, friends, teachers or clergy. Anyone
can refer a child to the organization, but most referrals come from the physician, an
immediate family member or the child. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® does not solicit
wishes; and must have a qualified referral before making a call to the family. This
procedure ensures that Make-A-Wish Foundation® is invited into the child’s life.
There are only two criteria for wish eligibility. The child must be medically eligible as
determined by his or her physician and must have a wish that is truly the child’s own.
Once a wish request is received, wish granting volunteers meet with the child and the
family to determine the wish. Then they work out the logistics to make the wish come
true. The immediate family of the wish child takes part in the wish, as the family is a
critical part of each child’s life. Make-A-Wish Foundation® covers all expenses and
makes all arrangements for wishes.
With doctors providing the medicine and Make-A-Wish Foundation® the magic....
Together we hope to create miracles.
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