The mission of Make-A-Wish Foundation International is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 1980, when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is one of the world's leading children's charities. After the start of the Foundation in the United States, interest in granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions quickly spread to other nations. In 1993, Make-A-Wish Foundation® International was officially formed to serve the five countries outside the U.S. - and now helps to serve children outside the United States in 47 countries on five continents through its 36 affiliates. Funds donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation International or any of its affiliates solely benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation International or its affiliates and the children we serve outside of the United States and its territories.