World Wish Day is celebrated every April 29 each year. This national holiday is sponsored by the “Make-A-Wish Foundation” — an organization that focuses on making the wishes of terminally ill children come true. It is a holiday that even children take joy in celebrating — as it primarily has to do with them. Although not all wishes that are made are or can be granted, you will be surprised to know that more than half a million wishes have been granted by the foundation since its inception a few decades ago, and many more would be granted in the years to come.
History of World Wish Day
It is almost impossible to find a person without a wish. Everyone has either consciously or otherwise, wished for something before. Making wishes is not restricted to a particular age group, as we find all people wishing for something. Children also wish for something. Just as people differ in their choices, so do the wishes they make.
World Wish Day was first celebrated on April 29, 2010. It is a holiday inspired by the touching story of a young leukemia patient back in 1980. Christopher James Greicius was a seven-year-old, highly spirited boy, battling blood cancer. However, even with his illness, Greicius’ one wish was to be a police officer. Little did he know that the Arizona Police somehow got whims of his wish and decided to grant it. On April 29, 1980, the little boy’s wish was granted — making him a police officer and the only person to be bestowed an honorary D.P.S. officer of Arizona! The smiles and joy that event brought to Greicius were indescribable. The honorable event caught the attention of certain individuals, who decided to form an organization tasked with granting wishes to children, and hence, the birth of the “Make-A-Wish Foundation.”
The first celebration of World Wish Day marked the 30th anniversary of the day Greicius had his life’s wish granted and since then, many surprising and equally fulfilling wishes have been granted by the foundation. In 2010 alone, a total of 198,000 wishes were granted. One of the daring wishes granted by the foundation includes making nine-year-old Kushi Chirag a make-believe princess.
World Wish Day timeline
Chris Greicius's wish to become a police officer is granted on this day — inspiring the creation of the “Make-A-Wish Foundation.”
The foundation grants its first official wish to Frank ‘Bopsy’ Salazar.
Make-A-Wish Foundation expands its charity outside the borders of the United States.
The first World Wish Day is celebrated.
World Wish Day FAQs
How do I make a wish?
Wish-making is not a thing that needs to be taught. Sometimes, it can be as simple as voicing out some of your most desired thoughts. Other times, you may want to write it down for posterity. However you do it, making a wish is generally expressing one’s desire for or to be something.
How many countries does Make-A-Wish work in?
The “Make-A-Wish Foundation” is found in around 50 countries on five continents. In the coming years, their services will certainly expand to more countries.
Who has fulfilled the most Make-A-Wish?
W.W.E. superstar, John Cena, ranks on the list of celebrities who have granted children’s wishes, with over 600 wishes fulfilled.
How to Observe World Wish Day
Make a wish for yourself or someone
Access the “Make-A-Wish Foundation.” Fill out a wish form for your child or someone else. Who knows? That honorable wish might just be granted.
Make someone's wish come true
If you have the means to, and you know someone who wishes for something, try to grant their wish. We promise you the feeling of fulfillment you will have will be exhilarating.
Donate to the “Make-A-Wish Foundation”
Play a part in granting the wishes of thousands of children by donating anything you can to the foundation. Your name will not be mentioned but you will end the day feeling happy.
5 Interesting Facts About About Wish Making
The Greeks started it
The Greeks are said to be one of the first to make wishes by blowing candles.
Candle blowing wishes are viral
Blowing out birthday candles is the most popular way of making wishes.
Wishes can be made true
A consensus is that with hard work, determination, and perseverance, many wishes can come true.
Does not correlate medium
Realization of wishes or otherwise has no relation with either a birthday cake, shooting stars, or others.
Everyone makes them
The most common wishes are for health, wealth, friends, success, and good life things, and everyone has once made them.
Why World Wish Day is Important
It is a day of giving
World Wish Day is primarily celebrated by granting people's wishes which is a form of giving. Givers, they say, never lack.
It sparks hope in people
Children who have been unhopeful before the day always experience a glimmer of hope when they get their wishes or see others' wishes granted. See how you can spark hope on this day.
It is memorable for children
Every child that has their wish granted or sees a friend's wish granted will forever live to remember the day. Greicius' story is fresh in our minds.
World Wish Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 29 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 29 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 29 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 29 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 29 | Sunday |
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