The life of Frank Shankwitz, Founder of Make-A-Wish Foundation
By Raelynn, Patch Contributor
Over 450,000 children with life-threatening illnesses have been granted wishes by the Make-A-Wish Foundation since 1980, when Frank Shankwitz founded the nonprofit organization. Now, Make-A-Wish grants a wish every 38 minutes, changing the lives of kids, families and entire communities.
Wish Man, the heartwarming biographical drama based on the life of Shankwitz, drew tears at the recent Los Angeles premier, held at the Egyptian Theatre earlier this month. Shankwitz was joined on the red carpet with writer/director Theo Davies, executive producer Marc Gold, producer Greg Reid, along with Australian leading man Andrew Steel (as Shankwitz), and actors Bruce Davison (Shankwitz Sr.), Kirby Bliss Blanton (Kitty Carlisle, Shankwitz’ wife), Robert Pine (Sgt. Eddie Newman), Chris Day (as young Shankwitz) and Christian Ganiere (playing Michael, the 7-year-old boy who has leukemia).
“Every role is unique,” states Ganiere. “In this role, Michael, he has leukemia, and it’s not easy to play a role that’s dying of cancer. It was really emotional for me and I was really wondering what he would feel – so I tried to look out for and be all of the kids that have leukemia, that can’t be the louder voice. That’s what I wanted to be for them.
“I love Frank,” continues Ganiere. “He’s amazing and what he’s doing is making the world a better place. When I met him, I was so honored because I knew what he did. I had all this energy and I was like, oh my gosh, it’s him, he’s the dream maker.”
“During a book interview with Frank,” states Reid, the film’s producer and international best-selling author, “I asked him ‘As the man who created the Make-A-Wish Foundation, what’s YOUR wish?’ Frank’s response surprised me. ‘Nobody’s ever asked me that before.’ Frank explained that his only wish was for his story to be told, so his grandchildren would know he did something special in his life.”