Every year, thousands of children are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Children diagnosed with the disease must struggle with the difficulties associated with these conditions and face the risk of losing their lives due to these conditions day after day. Some examples of life-threatening illnesses include leukemia, congenital heart disease, degenerative lung disease, brain tumors, immune system disorders, etc. Make-A-Wish was established in 1980. It all started with the story of Christopher James Greicius. wish. During a stakeout, U.S. Customs Agent Tommy Austin tells Arizona Officer Ron Cox a story about his wife's friend, Linda, who has a son who will most likely die of leukemia . Chris, aged 7, wanted to become a police officer and catch bad guys with Austin. Austin talks to Cox and asks if there is anything the Department of Public Safety can do to make Chris' wish come true. Cox then went to the DPS spokesperson who spoke to the director about making Chris' wish come true. DPS Director Milstead gave Schmidt permission to make Chris' wish come true. The officers then began working together to have Chris experience the life of a police officer, such as riding in a patrol car, flying in a DPS helicopter, and taking a tour of the department. Chris also received a “Smokey Bear” hat and one of Lt. Col. Dick Schaefer’s old badges. Chris became the only honorary and first officer in the Arizona Department of Safety. Everyone who met Chris saw him beaming and wanted to help him. Everyone knew they didn't have much time. Cox and Eaves ordered a DPS uniform in Chris' size and the workers worked through the night to get everything ready the next day. Shankwitz and a group of officers went to Chris's house and set up cones so he could direct...... middle of paper ...... the mission they are trying to complete. Children who are diagnosed with serious health problems face many obstacles and difficulties. It can be emotionally and physically tiring. This is why it is important to restore hope and joy in the lives of these children. The foundation’s vision is to make every eligible child’s wish come true each year. They are halfway to making this vision a reality. With the help of more and more people, they hope to achieve their mission by granting the wish of every child involved in the foundation. According to wish.org, “Today, in 2013, more than 226,000 children in the United States have benefited from the hope, strength and joy of having their heartfelt wish come true. And while it's not the beginning, it's nowhere near the end. Make-A-Wish will continue to grow and expand to try to make every wish come true..