WHEREAS, Make-A-Wish® was founded by family and friends of 7-year-old Chris Greicius, who got his wish to be a police officer on April 29, 1980. The organization now known as Make-A-Wish has since granted more than 550,000 wishes worldwide, operating in every community in the U.S. and in 50 countries worldwide; and

WHEREAS, forward-thinking and generous Nevadans brought the mission of creating life-changing wishes for children ages 2 ½ to 18 years old with critical illnesses to our state in 1983; and

WHEREAS, the work of generous supporters, volunteers, and staff at Make-A-Wish chapters in Nevada together have granted more than 11,500 wishes, delivering hope and joy to the lives of children with critical illnesses; and

WHEREAS, research has shown that wishes can improve a child's quality of life and produce better health outcomes. When a wish is granted, a child replaces fear with confidence, anxiety with hope and sadness with joy; and

WHEREAS, Make-A-Wish depends on referrals, local donors, and volunteers to realize its vision to reach every eligible child and make their wishes come true; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate that a day is set apart each year for our efforts to be directed toward doing everything we can to ensure that each eligible child in Nevada is able to experience the healing power of a wish; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim April 29, 2023 as

MAKE A WISH DAY IN NEVADA