About Us
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Eastern North Carolina has one purpose- to grant wishes to children between the ages from of 2 1/2 and 18 with life-threatening medical conditions. The benefits of wish fulfillment are many and varied. Though it is difficult to measure the effect a wish has on a child, we believe that while doctors provide the medicine, the Make-A-Wish Foundation provides the magic!
Our Chapter
Founded in 1986, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Our mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Fulfilling a child’s wish provides a joyful and meaningful experience that benefits both the child and the family.
The First Wish
In 1980, a 7 year-old boy with leukemia named Chris wished to be a police officer in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. Police officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety granted Chris’s wish with a custom-made uniform, helmet, badge, and even a helicopter ride! Chris’s delight in having his wish come true inspired a group of volunteers to form the first Make-A-Wish Foundation chapter.
Fast Facts
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina was founded in 1986.
We currently have more than 100 volunteers throughout our 49 counties and welcome other interested individuals.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina has granted more than 1,800 wishes in the past 22 years.
The first wish in eastern North Carolina was for a young man named Benny, who wished to meet his favorite wrestlers, Magnum T.A. and Rock ‘n’ Roll Express.
