The Legacy of Hope: 45 Years of Make-A-Wish Oklahoma
The First Wish: A Dream Comes True
In May, Make-A-Wish Oklahoma celebrated its 45th anniversary, a milestone that marks over half a million wishes granted and countless lives touched. The story of how it all began is one of hope, compassion, and the power of community.
It all started in the 1980s, when a little boy named Chris Greicius was diagnosed with leukemia. At that time, leukemia was a terminal illness, and his mother was told that there was nothing more the doctors could do. In the face of that heartbreaking diagnosis, Chris’s mother wanted to make as many memories as possible for her son. She reached out to the local police department in Arizona, asking if they could take Chris on a ride-along in a police car. What followed was nothing short of magical. The officers came together, pulled their resources, and within two days had created an unforgettable day for Chris. He was sworn in as an honorary police officer, had a parade in his honor, and was treated like royalty. Chris’s mother said, "I’ve never seen my child so happy."
That one wish ignited the Make-A-Wish movement. It wasn’t long before the organization realized they needed a formal structure to keep granting wishes for children like Chris. With just $34.72 in a checking account, Make-A-Wish was born. Today, Make-A-Wish has granted over 500,000 wishes, and the first wish granted continues to inspire the organization’s work.
The Power of Community: Erin’s Vision
Erin Nantois, who leads Make-A-Wish Oklahoma, shares the beauty of what they do:
"Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The word 'together' is essential to our mission because it takes all of us coming together to make these wishes possible. From donations to volunteers, we rely on the community to help fund and fulfill the wishes. Everyone plays a part."
Erin also shared a story that illustrates just how profound these wishes can be. Juliana, a little girl diagnosed with leukemia, was one of the many children waiting for her wish. Initially, she was at the bottom of the list, but six months later, her doctor called urgently—her condition had worsened, and they needed to grant her wish sooner. Juliana’s wish was to go to Disney and be a princess with her sister. When her wish was granted, the entire family experienced the magic of the moment. Her mother later said, "I’ve never seen her so happy."
But the magic didn’t stop there. After her wish, when Juliana returned for her next round of scans, doctors couldn’t believe what they saw: "There are no next steps," the doctor said, meaning there was no more cancer. Juliana is now cancer-free.
Erin reflects, “That’s what Make-A-Wish does—it gives kids the hope they need to keep fighting. Juliana’s wish was more than just a trip to Disney; it gave her the strength to keep going through her treatments. For many children, a wish is the spark that ignites their journey to recovery.”
John’s Reflection: A Personal Connection
John Christner, whose family is closely involved with the DLC Foundation, sees the connection between Make-A-Wish’s mission and his own experience. "When my dad got sick, he faced many of the same struggles that these kids are facing," John shared. "But the difference was that my dad had years to experience life. I know that if he were here today, he would want to see these kids have a chance to experience life, too. That’s why I’m so passionate about supporting Make-A-Wish. It’s about giving these kids the opportunity they deserve.”
As Erin points out, Make-A-Wish is more than just granting wishes—it’s about building hope and giving children something to look forward to during their darkest times. "We see kids who have been isolated because of their illness, missing out on their childhood. Through a wish, we give them back that innocence, and we give their families something to celebrate. It’s life-changing and, in many cases, life-saving."
Making a Difference: Community Involvement
In addition to all the wonderful wishes granted, Make-A-Wish Oklahoma continues to grow its community of support. Families who have received wishes are coming back to volunteer, donate, and pay it forward. Erin shared, "One of the most beautiful things is when a wish family reaches out after their wish experience, wanting to give back to others. They want to help make more wishes come true, and that’s the true spirit of Make-A-Wish—community."
The Road Ahead: Continuing the Legacy
As Erin and John reflected on their work with Make-A-Wish, it became clear that this is an organization built on community, hope, and legacy. While wishes are granted every day, the need continues to grow. With over 300 children currently waiting for their wish, there’s always more to be done. But the community’s support—through volunteers, donations, and partnerships—ensures that Make-A-Wish can continue making dreams come true for children and families in Oklahoma and beyond.
to learn more about Make-A-Wish Oklahoma, visit their website here.
