[ad_1]
Shankwitz died Jan. 24 at his home in Prescott, Ariz. From esophageal cancer, Kitty Shankwitz said. He was 77 years old.
“Frank’s passing has created a loss in our lives that will take time to heal,” his family said in a statement on their Facebook page. “However, we are heartened to know that the legacy he left will continue to live on for all who knew him.”
“The number of lives he has touched around the world with the creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, his career in law enforcement, his service in the Air Force, as well as the ‘The impact he’s had across all the other organizations he’s had in recent years is a testament to the man he was, “the statement said.
Shankwitz was one of several AZDPS officers who made Chris’ dream come true, making him the first and only Arizona Highway Patrol Honorary Officer, a post that came with his own uniform, badge and wings. motorcycle officer.
Chris died just days after his wish was granted and Shankwitz led the funeral procession in Illinois, according to AZDPS.
The experience inspired Shankwitz, along with his wife and several others, to found the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Shankwitz was the first President and CEO of the organization.
Today, Make-A-Wish says it’s granting a wish to a child every 34 minutes in the United States and its territories thanks to the help of thousands of volunteers and donors. The organization also extends wishes to children in about 50 countries on five continents, she said.
Shankwitz was an AZDPS officer until his retirement in 1996, but he remained an AZDPS reserve detective. He then went to work for the Special Investigations Office of the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, according to AZDPS, before retiring in 2001. After that, AZDPS assigned him to the Cold Affairs Unit. by Prescott PD. He resigned in 2014 after 42 years of law enforcement service.
Shankwitz went on to write a memoir and his life inspired the 2019 film “Wish Man”.
“Make-A-Wish is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Frank Shankwitz,” the foundation said in a social media statement, describing Shankwitz as one of six people who started the foundation.
“Thanks to all of our generous founders, more than 500,000 children with serious illnesses around the world have been fortunate enough to experience the lasting and life-changing benefits of One Wish.”
[ad_2]
Source link