On his birthday, NBA legend Michael Jordan chose not to receive anything but instead desired to give back. In celebration of his 60th birthday, he made the largest individual donation in the 43-year history of Make-A-Wish, an organization dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children with critical illnesses. By making this remarkable contribution, Jordan aimed to inspire others to join him in making children’s dreams come true. Since 1989, he has actively collaborated with the foundation and has become one of the most sought-after celebrities for meet-and-greets.
Having granted the wishes of numerous children worldwide, Jordan’s impact has been so profound that he was appointed as a Make-A-Wish Chief Wish Ambassador in 2008. Despite his influential role, Jordan humbly acknowledges that it is the children themselves who have left a lasting impact on him. Their strength and resilience during challenging times have served as a great source of inspiration. Jordan expressed his gratitude by stating, “I can’t think of a better birthday gift than seeing others join me in supporting Make-A-Wish so that every child can experience the magic of having their wish come true.”
A study conducted in 2022 revealed the actual positive effects of granting these wishes on the children and their families. The fulfillment of their wishes was found to contribute to the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the child. Moreover, it increased feelings of hope, strength, joy, confidence, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. These wishes also assisted in coping with changes in treatment, strengthening familial bonds, and reducing feelings of depression, hopelessness, trauma, and isolation. Ultimately, Jordan’s dedication to Make-A-Wish and the impact of wish fulfillment continue to provide meaningful support to children and their families facing challenging circumstances.
“Michael’s decision to make history for Make-A-Wish on his birthday speaks volumes about his character and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with critical illnesses,” remarked Leslie Motter, the President and CEO of Make-A-Wish.
The generous contribution made by Jordan will be directed towards an endowment that ensures the fulfillment of future wishes for children. Not only has Jordan inspired those who seek to make a difference in the lives of children globally, but he has also captivated the hearts of millions of fans throughout his career.
As reported by NPR, Jordan’s remarkable achievements include six NBA championships, five MVP titles, 14 All-Star appearances, and induction into the Hall of Fame. While he played for the Bulls for 13 seasons, he took a brief hiatus of a year and a half to pursue minor league baseball with the Chicago White Sox before returning to basketball for two more seasons with the Washington Wizards.
Presently, Jordan serves as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Bleacher Report highlights his incredible records, such as being the only player in NBA history to never score below 20 points in a finals game. He is also renowned for breaking two records in a single half of a game by making 20 free throws out of 23 attempts.
Jordan’s birthday donation adds yet another milestone to his extensive list of achievements. Another notable figure who recently set a Make-A-Wish record is John Cena, the professional wrestler and actor, who earned the Guinness World Record for granting the highest number of Make-A-Wish Foundation wishes.
