Celebrated internationally April 29, World Wish Day marks anniversary of first wish granted by Make-A-Wish Foundation 

BROOMFIELD, COLO. — April 19, 2012— On April 29, 1980, Chris Greicius, a 7-year-old boy battling leukemia, donned a policeman’s badge and uniform and fulfilled his lifelong wish to be a police officer. That special day was an unforgettable experience for Chris, but it was also the start of something even bigger: a remarkable mission to help give hope, strength and joy to children like him.  

Thirty-two years to the day after Chris’ wish was granted, Make-A-Wish supporters around the globe will celebrate World Wish Day, in honor of the wish that sparked a global wish-granting movement. Make-A-Wish will mark World Wish Day throughout the United States and in the 47 other countries in which it operates by celebrating the wishes being granted on that day.
 
“We are granting the wish of Alexander from Broomfield, to celebrate World Wish Day and highlight the hope, strength and joy that Make-A-Wish brings children every day,” said Joan Mazak, Make-A-Wish Colorado President and CEO. Mazak, who 29 years ago founded Make-A-Wish Colorado said, “We encourage people to join in the celebration by supporting our mission and helping us reach every eligible wish child in Colorado.”

Alexander, a 6-year-old boy from Broomfield, is a bright child with many interests, but if there’s any one thing that really excites him it’s Legos! Because of this passion, Alexander used his one wish from Make-A-Wish and asked for a house made of Legos for his basement. To make his wish a reality, staff and volunteers from Make-A-Wish Colorado have been working throughout the month of April to build a playhouse made of Legos in Alexander’s basement.
“This is such a creative wish and it has been a wonderful group effort,” said Ashlee Carey, Wish Coordinator with Make-A-Wish Colorado. “Once the wish is complete, the entire 8 foot by 10 foot playhouse erected in Alexander’s basement will be covered completely in Legos and everything from the interior décor to the mail box will carry the Lego theme, truly making it a house of Legos.”  

Alexander’s wish experience will culminate with a trip to the Lego Kid Fest at the Colorado Convention Center, and his wish will officially be granted at a Lego-themed reveal party on the afternoon of April 29.