What Happened To Frank Shankwitz Sr

Ever heard of the Make-A-Wish Foundation? You know, the awesome folks who grant wishes to kids with critical illnesses? Well, buckle up, 'cause we're about to dive into the story of one of its co-founders, Frank Shankwitz Sr. Now, you might be wondering, "Where's Frank now?" Let's find out, shall we?

So, Who's Frank Shankwitz Anyway?

Frank Shankwitz Sr. is like the cool uncle you never had. Born in 1940, he's a former Arizona Highway Patrol officer who, in his own words, "wasn't your average cop." He was more of a "people person," always ready with a smile and a joke. But life took a turn in 1980 that would change everything.

Enter Chris Greicius

Chris was a seven-year-old boy battling leukemia. He wanted nothing more than to be a cop, just like his hero, Paul Newman's character in "Coogan's Bluff." Frank, being the kind-hearted guy he is, decided to make Chris's wish come true. He organized a special day for Chris, complete with a police escort, a badge, and a ride in a police helicopter. It was a day Chris would never forget.

But here's where things get interesting. After Chris passed away, his family sent Frank a package. Inside was a little teddy bear, a letter, and an idea that would change the world. The letter read, "Dear Officer Frank, Thank you for making me a policeman. I have cancer and am going to die. I want to be a cop when I come back to life. Can you make my wish come true?"

La inspiradora historia de vida del hombre detrás de la fundación Make

Birth of a Dream

Frank was touched. He decided to honor Chris's wish by creating an organization that would grant wishes to other kids like him. And so, in 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation was born. Frank became its first CEO, and the rest, as they say, is history.

But What Happened to Frank?

After retiring from Make-A-Wish in 1993, Frank didn't exactly ride off into the sunset. He's been busy spreading joy and inspiration wherever he goes. He's written books, given speeches, and even started a new foundation, "Frank Shankwitz' Originals," to help kids with disabilities and special needs.

Co-founder of Make-A-Wish, ex-Arizona trooper dies

These days, you can find Frank living in Arizona, still as active and passionate as ever. He's a living testament to the power of kindness and the difference one person can make. So, the next time you hear about a Make-A-Wish story, remember Frank Shankwitz Sr. - the man who turned a little boy's wish into a global movement.

Isn't that just the coolest? It's like he took a spark of inspiration and turned it into a wildfire of hope. Pretty amazing, huh?