Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America
100 W. Clarendon, Suite 2200
Phoenix, AZ 85013-3518
(800) 722-9474
Fax: (602) 279-0855
News reports stated in 1989 that Craig Shergold, a 9-year-old English boy diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, wanted to be recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for receiving the most greeting cards. His wish was fulfilled in 1990 after receiving 16 million cards.
Shergold's tumor was successfully removed in March 1991. However, the cards and letters continue. Several versions of the letter exist, most of which wrongly claim that the young boy remains terminally ill and now wants to receive the largest number of business cards. The addressee is encouraged to gather business cards, forward them to an incorrect address in Georgia and then forward the chain letter to 10 friends.
"The chain letter claims that Make-A-Wish is involved," stated James E. Gordon, Chairman of the Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. "That is not true. Our organization is not, and has never been associated with the letter. Yet our office continues to receive numerous phone calls each month about the letter, diverting our staff time and resources from our mission. The Make-A-Wish Foundation requests that people please stop sending business cards or greeting cards to Craig Shergold."
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America has set up a special 800 number to explain the situation. Callers can listen to a pre-recorded message by dialing (800) 215-1333, ext. 184.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, based in Phoenix, has 82 chapters in the United States. Any child between the ages of two-and-a-half and 18 who has been determined to have a life-threatening illness is eligible to receive a wish. The first wish was granted in Phoenix in 1980, and since then Make-A-Wish has granted more than 37,000 wishes ranging from building a backyard fishing pond to an all-expense paid trip to Disney World.
For further information regarding the Make-A-Wish Foundation and qualifying children, contact (800) 722-9474.