Honor World Wish Day

Senate Resolution No. 1398 BY: Senator PERSAUD RECOGNIZING April 29, 2026, as World Wish Day WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those illustrious volunteers and organizations of the State of New York whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize April 29, 2026, as World Wish Day; and WHEREAS, Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy; and WHEREAS, World Wish Day is celebrated across the globe in recognition of the anniversary of the wish that inspired a global movement and the founding of Make-A-Wish; and WHEREAS, Chris Greicius, a seven year-old boy battling leukemia, yearned to be a police officer "to catch bad guys"; on April 29, 1980, his wish to be a police officer was granted by members of the Arizona Department of Public Safety; and WHEREAS, Since this first wish was granted over four decades ago, more than 350,000 children around the world have had their fondest wishes fulfilled by Make-A-Wish; and WHEREAS, Each year on this day, across the world, millions of supporters share the vision of granting the wish of every eligible child; it is a worldwide day of gratitude to thank donors, volunteers, medical professionals, sponsors, wish kids and families; and WHEREAS, Make-A-Wish is the world's largest wish-granting organization, serving courageous children in nearly 50 countries on five continents around the globe; and WHEREAS, The success of the Make-A-Wish International is in direct correlation to the efforts of its volunteers, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize April 29, 2026, as World Wish Day; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Make-A-Wish International.