How did Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado begin?
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado began in 1983 after the death of seven-year-old Jennifer Mazak. Although Jennifer did not have a formal wish, she wanted to meet the KIMN Chicken radio mascot. When the KIMN Chicken was told of Jennifer’s wish, he came to visit her at home. While Jennifer’s appearance prompted gibes and stares from the neighborhood children, she was the envy of them all when the KIMN Chicken hugged and held her and lavished attention on her alone. After Jennifer died, Joan Mazak, current president and CEO started the Colorado chapter, the ninth chapter in Make-A-Wish Foundation history. • How many wishes has the Colorado chapter granted? The Colorado chapter has granted more than 3,000 wishes to eligible children since its beginning in 1983. • Who is eligible for a wish? Any child who is between the ages of 2-1/2 and 18 (at the time of referral), who is verified by a physician to have a life-threatening medical condition and who has not previously been granted a wish
