Make-A-Wish Foundation creator / co-founder Frank Shankwitz has died at 77

Frank Shankwitz, the Arizona Highway Patrol officer who helped a terminally ill boy realize his dream of becoming a motorcycle cop and then co-created the Make-a-Wish Foundation, has passed away.

Shankwitz died at his home in Prescott, Arizona … succumbing to cancer of the esophagus. Frank passed away on January 24. His 38-year-old wife, Kitty, was at his bedside.

Frank heard of a boy named Chris Greicius in 1980 … the child had terminal leukemia and wanted to be a motorcycle cop when he grew up, just like Ponch and Jon from the TV show “CHiPs”.

Frank wanted to make Chris’ dream come true but thought the boy might not be physically ready for the adventure, saying, “Thinking he would be brought in a wheelchair, I was surprised when the door opened and a pair of sneakers appeared. “

Shankwitz explained: “Chris came out, a horny 7 year old boy who seemed so full of life it was hard to believe he was sick.” So Frank gave him a badge and a uniform and even gave him a driving test in his front yard to become a real car cop. Chris was more than happy.

“CHiPs” stars Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox he later autographed a photo for Chris, but by the time Shankwitz went to give it to him … Chris had fallen into a mild coma.

Chris had hung his uniform by the bed, and when Frank pinned the badge to his shirt, he woke up and asked, “Am I an official motorcycle cop now?” “You are sure,” Frank replied.

Chris passed away later that day.

A few months later, Frank created the Make-a-Wish Foundation. More than 315,000 children in the United States have seen their dreams come true thanks to Frank’s efforts.

Today, the organization has 64 chapters in the United States and 36 chapters internationally.

Frank was 77 years old.