Lots of little boys have dreams of becoming police officers. But for 7-year-old leukemia patient Chris Greicius, this dream actually came true. Officers in his home state of Arizona presented him with a custom-made uniform, helmet, badge and a helicopter ride. Chris died four days later.
Following Chris' death in 1980, his mother and other volunteers formed the first chapter of the Make-a-Wish foundation. Since then, the foundation has granted the wishes of over 50,000 children with life-threatening illnesses.
Four years ago, then-University student Jenny Wilkinson, inspired by a group of students at Cornell University who were involved with the Foundation, established the University's Student Wishmaker Organization.
"My first year was the first year that the group really got started ... it hadn't really gotten off the ground that first year," said fourth-year Commerce student Becky Lee, who served as Student Wishmakers' president last year.
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Since its first year, the student-run organization has expanded its agenda to both fundraising and having actual contact with the children the Foundation aids.
During the fall and spring, volunteers from Student Wishmakers sponsor "Friday Awareness" at the downtown mall, a time when children can enjoy arts and crafts, face painting and games, while parents can learn more about the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Volunteers also sell the trademark Make-a-Wish cloud cutouts which thank donors for their contribution with the slogan: "I help wishes come true."
This week is Wish Week, Student Wishmakers' primary fundraising event. Activities include a Lawn table selling clouds, a party at Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and a free showing of "The Princess Bride" in the Amphitheater.
"Wish week is our main awareness and fundraising week," said second-year College student Whitney Wetsel, the organization's president.
The group also focuses on keeping local schoolchildren informed about Make-a-Wish - students at Albemarle County High School are raising money for a Make-a-Wish Foundation child. The Student Wishmakers also raise awareness about important illnesses.
"A lot of kids don't know anything about cancer or leukemia," said Wetsel. Members of Student Wishmakers agree that often the most rewarding aspect of the organization is having direct contact with the children the organization aids.
Interacting with the children "makes all the fundraising and promotional stuff a lot more worthwhile," says Student Wishmakers Secretary Letty Lau, a third-year College student.
Student Wishmakers who have completed a ten-hour training session can conduct Wish Interviews, during which the volunteer speaks with the family and child about their wish.
Most wish interviews are conducted in the family's home when the child is feeling stronger. But, if necessary, the interviews can be held in the hospital.
"The first time I did [a wish interview] in the hospital ... that one time hit me really hard," recalled Lee, Student Wishmakers former president.
Lee said many people focus on the fact that the children are seriously ill and wonder how volunteers can cope with the emotional strain of interacting with sick children.
"This is such a happy thing for them ... this only brings smiles," she said.
Lee added that she is pleased with the excitement that Make-a-Wish brings to children even during often-stressful treatment.
"A few weeks ago there was one girl in the hospital" who was drifting in and out of a coma, said Lee. "She woke up and said 'I know what I want my wish to be' ... that was one thing that made us so excited."
The wishes themselves are as unique as those asking for them.
"Wishes can be anything from meeting Michael Jordan to going to Disney World to getting their room redecorated to going to Australia for two weeks," Wetsel said.
Past wishes include meeting the Backstreet Boys, getting a computer, dancing with the Metropolitan Ballet of Wichita, attending the Summer Olympics, and meeting Batman. One little boy's wish to feed the hungry led to a grocery store's donating $50,000 worth of food to a New York food bank.
According to Make-a-Wish, of the children asking to travel, 43 percent want to go to a theme park such as Disney World. When travelling, all expenses are paid for not only the child, but for the entire family, and spending money is also provided.
When possible, Student Wishmakers "get to greet them at the airport" when they return, Lau said.
Although the wishes are fulfilled free of charge to the child and family, dreaming is never free.
"The average wish costs $5,200," Wetsel said. The organization relies upon donations of money, goods, and services from corporations and individuals.
Within the next few weeks, Student Wishmakers will travel to the hospital to hold a "Birthday Party," complete with cookies, snacks, and crafts, for the children to celebrate the end of Wish Week.
"It's actually nice to meet the kids face to face ... their families are so happy and gratified," said Lau. The party marks the end of Wish Week.
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