History
In 1980, everyone in Phoenix, Arizona, who knew seven-year-old Chris Greicius knew he wanted to be a policeman when he grew up. Concerned that Chris' diagnosis with leukemia might prevent that dream from coming true, officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety decided to create that dream for him. They pulled together people from all over the community to give Chris the experience of being an Arizona State Trooper.
Chris flew helicopter patrol, sat on a motorcycle and earned his merit wings by successfully maneuvering a motorcycle maze with his own small motorized motorcycle, which he used instead of a wheelchair. A uniform was designed to fit, which was Chris' most prized possession. His delight and appreciation, and that of all who helped make this wish come true, inspired the group to create the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.
The Foundation now serves 69 chapters nationally and 28 internationally and has granted more than 148,000 wishes across the country. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Orange County and the Inland Empire was established in 1983 with the fulfillment of 14-year-old Tamara's dream to see the clear blue waters of the Caribbean. Since then we have granted over 3,000 wishes to children in the Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.
