That’ s how it all began…
From the wish of a mother to make her child’s dream come true.

In 1980, seven-year-old Chris from Phoenix, Arizona (USA) wanted to become a police officer. However, he suffered from leukemia and his life’s struggle had made him stop dreaming. He looked up to the police helicopter, which was the whole world to his eyes. “What if he could see the helicopter from up close?” thought his mother, Linda.

What if he not only saw it but went a ride with it?” added the chief of the Phoenix, Arizona police department.

What if we made him a uniform and got him through training?

What if we set up a high-speed chase and have him ‘arrest’ the bad guys?

And if he truly were a good officer, shouldn’t he be awarded for his work?” added his colleagues.

 

So, a bit by chance, but with lots of love and belief in his dream, Chris became a real police officer on April 29th , 1980.

Suddenly Chris was transformed. He appeared stronger, happier, and more optimistic about the next day. Tomorrow never came for Chris, but this initiative would change the world. A few months after that day, on her way to thank the officers and all who played a part in making her only child’s wish come true, Linda urged them to keep doing what they did for Chris for other children who faced a critical illness.

And everyone agreed. They met one afternoon at one officer’s home, chipped in whatever money they had on them, collected 76 dollars and founded Make-A-Wish!

Watch the story of Chris here 

In Greece

After spreading like wildfire in the US, this touching idea, started conquering the rest of the world, turning Make-A-Wish into the largest charity in the world concerning the souls of ailing children.

In Greece, Make-A-Wish was founded in 1996, and its first wish was that of Andreas (March 1997), who wanted to play alongside his favourite football team, Olympiacos.

Dressed in the “Legend’s” (as the team is called) colors, he sets off in a limo to meet his dream. He enters the stadium, meets the “gods” of his team and then training begins… with Andreas shooting, dribbling, taking penalties and being over the moon!

Mesmerized as he was, he then receives, from the hands of the coach, an honorary plaque and a football signed by his favorite players, while trying to make this moment last as much as possible. Forever!

Although many years have gone by since then, and Andreas has fully overcome his illness, he never forgets that day, a day which will remain forever in his mind. A day that gave him unparalleled strength and endless willingness during the tough times he was fighting for a healthy future.

In the words of the then ten-year-old Andreas:

“If an unbelievable dream of yours has come true, then the dream to become healthy again appears to be much closer.”