In Episode 23 of the Disruptors for Good podcast I speak with Frank Shankwitz, the creator and co-founder of the Make-A-Wish Foundation on how tragedy can turn into inspiration and impact lives around the world. Frank’s story is so incredible it has been made into a movie called “Wish Man”, which is now streaming on all platforms.
My conversation with Frank is very powerful and emotional at the same time. The creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is inspiring to say the least.
From humble beginnings, the Make-A-Wish Foundation is now a global organization that grants a child’s wish somewhere in the world on an average of every 28 minutes.
Frank has spent the majority of his life in service. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. He began as an Arizona Highway Patrol Motorcycle Officer, and retired as a Homicide Detective with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, with 42 years of service.
Frank has been featured in numerous publications and television programs, and has received several awards, including the White House Call To Service Award from two U.S. Presidents, and the “Making A Difference In the World” award from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
In 2015 Frank joined six U.S. Presidents as well as Nobel Prize winners and industry leaders as a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. In December 2015, following his commencement address, Frank was presented with an Honorary Doctorate Degree, Doctor of Public Service, from The Ohio State University.
In 2016, Frank was identified as a “Forbes Top Ten Keynote Speaker”. In April 2017, Frank was presented the Unite4:Humanity Celebrity ICON Social Impact Award, joining past recipients Matthew McConaughey and Morgan Freeman.
In June 2019, Frank joined 89 celebrities, when he received his “STAR” on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame. Frank is a board member on several non-profits, including U.S. Vets, The Wounded Blue, and Broadway Hearts. Frank also wrote a book called “Wish Man” and is available on Amazon.
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Such a great episode. As someone who has been fundraising for the Make a Wish Foundation for the past 11 years, it was inspiring to hear the story behind the Bubblegum Trooper and the man behind the mission.
Thank you so much for another great episode!
Hi Katee, thanks so much for listening. 🙂
It really is an incredible tory.