Frank Shankwitz, Make-a-Wish Foundation co-founder, dies at 77 abc17news.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from abc17news.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The idea to start the Make-a-Wish foundation originated in 1980, when the Arizona Highway Patrol learned about a local 7-year-old boy named Chris Greicius, who had leukemia, and dreamed of joining the force when he grew up.
The department arranged for the boy to become an honorary officer, and Shankwitz went the extra mile, making a special badge for Chris and contacted the actors of
CHiPs, the boy s favorite stars, to autograph a picture for him, according to the
Times. Shortly after taking the gifts to Chris, and making his wish come true, the boy died.
The experience had a lasting impact on Shankwitz, who went on to help create the impactful foundation.
Frank Shankwitz, a Founder of Make-a-Wish, Is Dead at 77
A state highway patrolman in Arizona, he helped a terminally ill boy become a motorcycle cop and then came up with a plan to help more children realize their dreams.
Frank Shankwitz in 1980 with Chris Greicius, the 7-year-old boy who inspired Mr. Shankwitz to help start the Make-a-Wish Foundation.Credit.via Make-a-Wish Foundation
Published Feb. 6, 2021Updated Feb. 9, 2021
Frank Shankwitz, an Arizona Highway Patrol officer who, after helping a terminally ill boy realize his dream of becoming a motorcycle cop, co-founded the Make-a-Wish Foundation and served as its first president, died on Jan. 24 at his home in Prescott, Ariz. He was 77.