The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children under the age of 18 with life-threatening illnesses. It is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, with 80 chapters in the United States and its territories, and 20 international affiliates spanning five continents. Through private donations and the efforts of more than 18,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 73,000 wishes around the world since its inception in 1980 -- more than 9,600 last year alone.