The Wish Man

While most people have heard of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, few are familiar with the man who created and helped found the nonprofit that grants wishes to children diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. His name is Frank Shankwitz, and his message, “Pay Attention! Every day is an opportunity to change a life,” comes from someone who practices what he preaches.

In November, the retired Arizona highway patrol officer, homicide detective and Air Force Veteran will speak at Suncoast Mental Health Center’s third annual signature event “Finding Peace Amid the Chaos.” Having suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and surviving a near-death experience, Frank is well-acquainted with the chaos mental health disorders can create. In large part, he found his peace – and purpose – thanks to a terminally ill 7-year-old named Chris Greicius who had a wish. 

And so begins the story of how a good deed done for one little boy 36 years ago grew into a national organization that has touched the lives of over 300,000 children in the United States. Although Shankwitz has told the tale hundreds of times, it never gets old.