Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire   

Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire (OCIE) has a singular mission – creating life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses in our local communities. Make-A-Wish traces its history and inspiration back to 1980 and, more specifically, a 7-year-old boy named Chris Greicius and his inspiring wish to become a police officer. While Chris battled leukemia, the local community came together to make his wish of becoming an Arizona State Trooper come true and, in the process, sparked a 45-year wish granting movement that has grown to 57 chapters in the United States and over 50 countries. In 1983, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire became the seventh chapter founded and, with the help of our incredibly generous and selfless army of volunteers, has since granted the wishes of 8,400 children in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. For families, the diagnosis of a critical illness for a child brings not just physical challenges but also immense emotional, behavioral, and mental burdens for the entire family. The toll of constant hospitalization and medical procedures often leads to emotional distress, depression, and a sense of disconnect from a normal childhood. These children deserve support that encompasses their entire well-being. That support comes in the form of a wish. For these families, a wish empowers and inspires them to comply with treatment, manage their way through the tough days and look ahead to something that gives them hope. Hope isn’t just a vague concept; it’s a powerful force that impacts every aspect of a critically ill child’s life. It offers the courage to face adversity, the strength to persevere, and the belief that betters days lie ahead. Incorporating hope into their journey not only improves their outlook but also contributes significantly to their overall well-being. Our vision is to grant the wish of every eligible child that is battling a critical illness in our local communities.