Make-A-Wish Foundation
| Formation | April 29, 1980 |
|---|---|
| Type | 501(c)(3) non-profit organization |
| Purpose | Fulfilling the wishes of children with critical illnesses |
| Headquarters | Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
Region served | International |
| Services | Children 2.5-18 years old with serious illnesses |
President & CEO | Leslie Motter[1] |
| Website | wish |
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in the United States that helps fulfill the wishes of seriously ill children. The organization is headquartered in Phoenix[2] and operates through its 58 chapters located throughout the United States. Make-A-Wish also operates in about 50 other countries through 40 international affiliates.[3] Professional wrestler John Cena holds the title for the most wishes granted by a single individual, at over 650 wishes.[4][5]
The organization grants wishes to children between 2.5 and 18 years old with a condition that is progressive, degenerative, or malignant and who have not been granted a wish by another, similar, organization.[6]
Hunting and fishing
Make-A-Wish stopped granting wishes involving hunting-related activities or weapons in 1996 due to concerns over child safety and criticism from animal rights groups.[7] In response, three organizations to arrange hunting trips for terminally ill children were formed: Hunt of a Lifetime, Catch-a-Dream, and Life Hunts.[8][9]
References
- ^ "National Leadership". wish.org. Retrieved 2023-01-05.
- ^ "Our History - Make-A-Wish America". 26 August 2025.
- ^ "Make-A-Wish around the world: More than 50 countries". 26 August 2025.
- ^ Sandy Cohen (2018-03-19). "John Cena shares his love for kids and how they inspire him". AP NEWS. Retrieved 2019-04-08.
- ^ Traina, Jimmy (4 May 2020). "Pandemic Can't Stop John Cena From Continuing to Grant Wishes". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
- ^ "Refer a Child | Make-A-Wish". wish.org. Retrieved 2026-06-19.
- ^ "Herald-Journal - Google News Archive Search". Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ^ CNN.com – Hunting organization grants wish that Make-a-Wish won't – December 15, 2000 Archived March 4, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Catch-A-Dream Foundation".