About Us
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. From our humble beginnings with one boy’s wish to be a police officer, we’ve evolved into an organization that grants a child’s wish in the United States and its territories every 40 minutes.
Our Chapter
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York serves the 15 counties comprising the 518 area code:
Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington.
The First Wish
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® traces its beginning to one boy’s wish. In 1980, 7-year-old Christopher James Greicius was being treated for leukemia. Every day, he dreamed of becoming a police officer. Thanks to the generosity of some caring individuals, Chris was sworn in as the first honorary patrolman in the history of the state of Arizona.
The Chris Greicius Make-A-Wish Memorial was born. This later became known as the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Fast Facts
- The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Northeast New York was incorporated in 1987.
- We currently have a network of over 250 volunteers who help grant the wishes of children with a life-threatening medical condition.
- The chapter grants around 100 wishes each year.
- The chapter has granted more than 1,200 wishes since it was founded.
BlueShield of Northeastern New York was the Presenting Sponsor of the 2011 Adopt An Angel campaign. BlueShield is one of the leading healthcare companies in the Capital Region. Since 1946, it has been a pioneer in providing quality healthcare services to companies and individuals in the region. BlueShield serves the northeast New York region, including the counties of Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Essex, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schoharie, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington.
