Chris Greicius Make-a-Wish Portrait Memorial Bronze Statue
Chris Greicius, Make-a-Wish America headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Tribute sculpture of Make-a-Wish Foundation's first recipient. His dying wish inspired a worldwide movement.
The Commission:
Tom White was honored to be asked to create this important life-size memorial bronze sculpture. It was for the Make-a-Wish-America© headquarters (MAW) in Arizona. This is a masterfully detailed portrait bronze statue of Chris Greicius.
Chris’s Story:
Chris had been diagnosed with stage four leukemia at age five. His family was told he had only a maximum of three years to live. He told his mom, Linda, that he still wanted to be an officer for the Phoenix Police Department.
Several officers and friends in the community heard of Chris’ wish and set about to make it happen. There were several news stories, including one in the DailyMail. Because of this, several DPS officers worked to commission a uniform for Chris in his size. They organized a helicopter ride, and helped him earn his badge! The day his motorcycle wings badge arrived, Chris was rushed to the hospital. And a group of PPD officers came to the hospital to present the prized gifts. Sadly, Chris died two days later wearing his uniform and clutching his prized badge. Chris was buried wearing his uniform.
Chris’ Bronze Statue:
Tom worked closely with the Make-a-Wish Foundation and with Chris’ mom, Linda Pauling, to get the portrait statue “just right.” Tom felt it was important to capture Chris’ sweet smile. Also, the proud demeanor he had when wearing his uniform and hat. As a gifted storyteller in bronze, Tom was able to capture both the likeness and spirit of Chris in this life-size bronze sculpture.
Tom has a unique ability to capture the emotion of the people he sculpts in memorial bronze portrait sculptures. Call to inquire about your own custom bronze statue.…Tom & Marcey White
World-wide Influence:
No one would ever have been able to predict the massive influence that this one little boy had on so many people. The Make-a-Wish Foundation has teamed up with people all over the globe to make hundreds of thousands of wishes come true for children with life-threatening critical illnesses. Per the foundation’s website:
“Tens of thousands of volunteers, donors and supporters advance the Make-a-Wish® vision to grant the wish of every child diagnosed with a critical illness. In the U.S. and its territories, a wish is granted every 34 minutes. A wish can be that spark that helps these children believe that anything is possible, and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illnesses. This one belief guides us and inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve.”