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.

Though he didn’t know it at the time, Chris’ wish was the inspiration for Make-A-Wish, which has since granted wishes to thousands of children who bravely face life-threatening illnesses. April 29 is World Wish Day^®, a global celebration of wish granting on the anniversary of Chris’ wish.

Make-A-Wish will mark World Wish Day with celebrations throughout the United States and in the 47 other countries in which it operates by celebrating wishes being granted on that day.

The wish children pictured above represent the wishes Make-A-Wish New Jersey is granting in celebration of World Wish Day. We invite you to visit our World Wish Day page for more details and pictures from these wishes and to learn about how you, too, can celebrate World Wish Day.