The organization was founded by Ramona Damron-Fickle, a former hospice volunteer, who was concerned about the lack of services for children with life-threatening disorders.

In 1981, Ramona began to develop an organization to meet the wish-granting needs of children in Ohio. Today, this program is available to children from coast to coast.

“Seed” money was provided to the Foundation as a contribution from Cliff Damron, in memory of his wife, Gladys, who was known among family and friends for her active role in providing spiritual and physical support for disadvantaged children and their families.

The first organizational meeting was held in March 1982, at the Children’s Hospital in Columbus. A 12-member Board of Directors representing a broad spectrum of the state was seated to administer the program.

In 1985, the original Board of Directors became the National Board of Governors that currently administers the program on a national/international level.

The Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation were filed in Columbus in May 1982. The Foundation was later determined to be exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The first wish was granted in 1982 to 6-year-old Amber Johnson, who was suffering from leukemia. Amber and her family visited her favorite characters, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, at their home in Disney World.

Today, A Special Wish Foundation is the 3rd largest wish granting organization in the United States, with 17 chapters across the U.S., and one in Moscow, Russia. In the 22 years since Amber Johnson’s wish, wishes have been granted to thousands of qualifying children.