Jordan’s commitment to the organization spans 30 years of granting life-changing wishes to children battling critical illnesses. This year, Make-A-Wish and Jordan celebrate this milestone as well as the hundreds of wishes he has granted and the countless lives changed.

Since Jordan began his involvement with Make-A-Wish in 1989, he has granted hundreds of wishes to children all over the world. In 2008, the sports icon was named Make-A-Wish Chief Wish Ambassador for his unwavering commitment to the organization. Jordan gives more than his time; he has donated and brought in more than $5 million to Make-A-Wish since the partnership began, which moves the organization closer to its vision of granting the wish of every eligible child.

To this day, Jordan remains one of the organization’s most popular wish requests. He inspires wish kids all over the globe, showing them the impossible is possible and inspiring them to reach for new heights. With every wish that Jordan grants, he is reminded of the powerful impact a wish has on a child with a critical illness and their entire family. Jordan is a valuable leader in helping the organization to grant wishes.

“Make-A-Wish is proud to honor the partnership between Michael Jordan and our organization,” said Richard Davis, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “Supporters like Michael Jordan are essential in helping Make-A-Wish continue to grant life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. We are enormously grateful to Jordan’s commitment to wish granting and providing the resources needed to grant more wishes.”

Most recently, Jordan sponsored a space in the new Make-A-Wish America headquarters located in Phoenix. The Michael Jordan Conference Room was designed by Jordan Brand, a division of Nike Inc., and is a functional, collaborative space designed to inspire employees.

“It has been an honor to be part of the Make-A-Wish mission these past 30 years,” said Michael Jordan. “After meeting each wish kid, I truly feel humbled and inspired by their strength and their courage. My parents raised me to give back and granting wishes to these brave kids reminds me why it’s so important.”

Wishes like those granted by Jordan help children to replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with strength. Make-A-Wish is immensely appreciative to Jordan for his ongoing dedication to reach above and beyond for wish kids all over the globe.

This article originally appeared on Look To The Stars.

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One of the best parts of playing the Big Red Jackass is welcoming @makeawishamerica and @childrenswishfoundation onto set. Deadpool kicked Cancer in the taint, but these kids do it for real every day. These foundations make dreams come true for a lot of of super-brave kids. They also make dreams come true for parents, who just wanna see their kid smile. HUGE thanks to our Prop Master, Dan Sissons, for making sure every kid left with his/her own sword. (Bamboo versions. Not stabby-stabby versions.)

A post shared by Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds) on Feb 19, 2018 at 6:46am PST

On Monday afternoon, the 41-year-old actor shared a series of photos taken on the set of 20th Century Fox’s Deadpool 2, thanking the Children’s Wish Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation for introducing him to some very special families. “One of the best parts of playing the Big Red Jackass is welcoming @makeawishamerica and @childrenswishfoundation onto set. Deadpool kicked Cancer in the taint, but these kids do it for real every day. These foundations make dreams come true for a lot of super-brave kids,” Reynolds wrote in his Instagram caption, adding that they “also make dreams come true for parents who just wanna see their kid smile.”

Reynolds also thanked prop master Dan Sisson “for making sure every kid left with his/her own sword.” He then clarified that the kids were given bamboo swords, not “stabby-stabby” swords. Adding a personal touch, he autographed each of the swords and included individual messages.

When Reynolds was filming the first Deadpool movie, the Make-a-Wish Foundation introduced him to a young fan named Connor McGrath. Sadly, the actor revealed two years ago that his 13-year-old friend lost his battle with cancer. “He was smart. He was funny. And not just funny ‘for a kid’—or funny ‘for a person battling something awful’. He was unqualified funny,” he wrote in 2016. “He had that…thing. That thing you see in great performers or comedy writers.””Because of his wish, Connor was the first person to see Deadpool. I traveled up to Edmonton, Alberta, to surprise him with a rough cut of the film. There were still huge sections with wires we hadn’t yet painted out, jokes which weren’t working (and still aren’t) and green screens,” he reminisced. “Connor didn’t seem to mind. And I’d never felt luckier to get to be Wade Wilson.”

Deadpool 2  premieres in theaters May 18.

This article originally appeared on E News.

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Through Omaze, one lucky fan and a friend will join Lee on August 22 in Los Angeles for Extraordinary: Stan Lee, an unforgettable event hosted by Chris Hardwick and featuring celebrities, video cameos, and surprises for the legendary creator.

In addition, the winner will also receive exclusive merchandise, hang with Lee and his superstar friends at the after-party, and get one-on-one time with the man himself where they can ask him all their burning questions like: What inspired you to invent Spider-Man? Which character do you relate to the most? And, what’s your favorite Marvel movie cameo?

Topping it off, is a signed photo with Lee!

Flights to L.A. and reservation at a 4-star hotel are included. Entry fees range from $25-$5,000 with all donations benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a favorite amongst stars of the Marvel Universe, including Robert Downey Jr.

Positive stories like this are what make us tick! We’re always looking for partners that feel the same way about good news!

Stay linked to Good Celebrity for all the breaking celebrity news headlines and stories about people doing good! And don’t miss our exclusive interviews, all right here on our YouTube page.

(Photo Credit: Omaze)

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One of our favorite sources of positivity is Chris Connelly of ESPN. The sports giant’s feature reporter hit another home run with his latest tearjerker.

Ziggy Hits the Diamond

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the best teams in baseball this season, but on June 25 the organization decided Dave Roberts needed a little help managing the ball club.

Cue Lazaro “Ziggy” Monarrez.

Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the 11-year-old fan, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) when he was 12 months old, was granted his wish to manage the Dodgers for a day.

“Why do you want to manage the Dodgers?” Connelly asked Ziggy while visiting he and his family at their home in El Paso, Texas.

“They’re [the] Dodgers. That shouldn’t even be a question,” Ziggy replied.

Moments later, Ziggy was surprised with the announcement that his dream would be realized and soon he was in L.A. meeting with his co-manager, Roberts, where he was presented with a jersey bearing his name.

“That’s awesome,” said Ziggy upon seeing his #22 white and blue uniform.

A lifelong baseball fan, Ziggy’s diagnosis of SMA meant he’d have to live his entire life in a wheelchair, preventing him from ever being able to play the game.

“It was hard that he wasn’t going to be able to walk and play baseball because that was one of the things we all did,” Ziggy’s mom, Araceli, told ESPN.

“He’s a smart boy, and that’s typical for kids with [Type 2] SMA. When he was little, I noticed he would pick up on things very quickly, and I thought, maybe it’s because when all the other kids are exploring their world — crawling and walking and these other things — what is Ziggy doing? He’s learning. He’s observing,” she added.

His intelligence came in handy during the game as he was every bit as important as the world class athletes on the field. In fact, Ziggy was integral when it came time to pull the team’s ace, Clayton Kershaw, who’d run out of gas after six shutout innings.

“I’m thinking of taking Kershaw out now. What do you think?” Roberts asked Ziggy.

“Yeah,” Ziggy replied.

Roberts then went with a lineup that Ziggy spent a week preparing.

“You really are the co-manager, aren’t you?” said Araceli.

Ziggy’s keen eye and decision-making paid off as the Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 4-0 for their ninth consecutive win. Following the victory, Ziggy joined the team on the field and high-fived each player as they walked off.

“Nice job, Skip. You’re 1-0!” Roberts told him.

Positive stories like this are what make us tick! We’re always looking for partners that feel the same way about good news!

Stay linked to Good Celebrity for all the breaking celebrity news headlines and stories about people doing good! And don’t miss our exclusive interviews, all right here on our YouTube page.

(Photo Credit: Twitter / @MakeAWish)

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In his post-wrestling career as an actor, he’s continued to give people joy with movies like The Game Plan and the Fast and Furious franchise. Johnson also provides his followers with unique behind-the-scenes access via his Instagram account.

A post shared by therock (@therock) on Mar 23, 2017 at 4:29pm PDT

Recently he combined his social media posting with another passion of his – helping children. Taking a break on the set of his HBO series Ballers in Las Vegas, Johnson shared an emotional video directed towards a Make-A-Wish fan in Hawaii.

Taitusi this message is for you. Make a Wish just called me and I wish I could be there with you in Hawaii right now. Even at 13yrs old you’re already way stronger than I’ll ever be. Ever. Even though we’ve never met, I can already tell you’re one of the coolest and most amazing kids I’ve ever talked to like this. I just want you to know how amazing and special of young boy you are. You inspire every single person around you right now. Including me. God bless you and your family and yes I’m gonna go crazy on rice crispy treats this weekend for my cheat meal in your honor Alofa atu, DJ

A post shared by therock (@therock) on Mar 22, 2017 at 7:41pm PDT

“I wish we could hang out and talk like your wish was. I want you to know I know so much about you,” Johnson said. “You love chicken, I love chicken. Your favorite color is red, I love red. You love to play Call of Duty, I suck at Call of Duty. You love pancakes, I love pancakes. Your favorite treat is Rice Krispie treats,” he added.

“I want you to know that even though I can’t see you and be with you, I want you to know you’re already one of the most amazing and coolest kids I’ve ever spoken to. You are stronger than I will ever be,” he said before taking a moment to fight back tears. He then added, “Stay strong.”

Johnson reiterated his message of strength in a caption accompanying the video.

“I just want you to know how amazing and special of young boy you are. You inspire every single person around you right now. Including me,” he wrote.

Dwayne regularly teams with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. While on the set of his upcoming movie, Baywatch, The Rock made a wish come true for a young fan named Ashley.

During shooting on that same film, he met with a family celebrating the first birthday of their daughter, Sally, who at only five months of age, underwent open heart surgery.

“Her mama, Sarah here was so grateful we had a chance to meet and got teary eyed when talking about her baby and said something so simple, powerful and true.. ‘If Sally can fight thru this, then we can do anything.’ Amen. Yes you can,” he wrote in an Instagram post

Shooting on location always draws a crowd and I got word that a mom asked if I would meet her daughter who’s celebrating a very special birthday. Well I love me some birthdays so where is mama and her babies. Was so happy to have met lil’ Sally Walker Collins, who just turned 1. When she was 5months old she had open heart surgery and has been an inspiring lil’ fighter since that day. Her mama, Sarah here was so grateful we had a chance to meet and got teary eyed when talking about her baby and said something so simple, powerful and true.. “If Sally can fight thru this, then we can do anything.” Amen. Yes you can. Real pleasure meeting this great family and if by remote chance I got teary eyed too when she was talking about her daughter’s struggle – it’s a good thing I had my shades on so no one would see. But of course I never cry ’cause I’m too tough for that stuff. I’m just sayin’ if I did, I was prepared. Stay strong lil’ Sally – you’re a heart warrior and you have many many more birthdays to enjoy. And remember Uncle DJ is the coolest. #OnSet #BAYWATCH #SavannahGA

A post shared by therock (@therock) on Apr 7, 2016 at 5:00am PDT

Johnson spends a lot of time in the gym perfecting his physique but he continues to prove time and again that his biggest muscle is his heart.

Stay linked to Good Celebrity for all the breaking celebrity news headlines and stories about people doing good!

(Photo credit: Instagram)

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The Good Celebrity team had a terrific time at the event and chatted with the special guests including Downey Jr., the X Ambassadors, and US Olympian Laurie Hernandez. 

The Greater Los Angeles chapter of the non-profit organization honored the Iron Man star with it’s Shining Star Award.

“Over the years, Robert Downey Jr. has granted dozens of wishes for children around the world and has personally brought hope, strength, and joy to Wish Kids and their families,” said Cheadle, who presented the actor with the award.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe co-stars were joined on stage by 22-year-old Cameron Fisch, whose wish was granted in 2011 when Downey Jr. invited the then 17-year-old, who has a nervous system disorder, to the set of The Avengers.

“If folks like Cam see any benefit to meeting me or Tony Stark or whoever they want me to be, I’m game,” Downey Jr. said while accepting his award.

Grammy-nominated singer Tori Kelly presented entrepreneur and talent manager, Scooter Braun with the Humanitarian Award. Braun counts Kelly among the talented array of singers on his roster, which also includes Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber.

“In the last two years, I’ve gotten to work with this organization as a dad and that’s not only changed my perspective but changed my life,” he said while accepting his award.

The NHL’s Los Angeles Kings was also honored during the event with the Power of a Wish Award. Kings’ COO Kelly Cheeseman accepted the award on the the team’s behalf and players Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson attended the gala.

“I was really impressed with how motivated everybody was and I congratulate Scooter, I congratulate the L.A. Kings and I’m happy to be some small part of what’s brought all this attention and the fundraising to the Greater Los Angeles chapter of Make-A-Wish,” Downey Jr. added backstage.

“I’m really proud, it means a lot to me. I love the kids and the families and…everybody wins. It’s a no brainer.”

Emceed by EXTRA host Mario Lopez and featuring performances from Kelly, X Ambassadors, and Bush, the gala doubled as a fundraising event and raised $1 million for the foundation according the the chapter’s CEO Neal Aton.

Olympic gold medalist and Dancing with the Stars contestant Hernandez and Reverend Jesse Jackson were among the other celebrities who walked the red carpet and attended the gala.

Special thank you to Cheri Warner and Nicole Player from Weissman Markowitz for the invite and hospitality!

Stay linked to Good Celebrity for our exclusive celebrity news coverage from the Make-A-Wish event!

Photo Credit: Craig T. Mathew and Greg Grudt/Mathew Imaging

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The Emmy Winner will host the 4th Annual Wishing Well Winter Gala. Presented by the Greater Los Angeles chapter of Make-A-Wish, the event will honor Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr., entertainment entrepreneur Scooter Braun and the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings.

“It’s fitting that Mario Lopez will host this year’s Gala. Mario is passionate about youth and children’s causes, and we’re thrilled to have him as part of the Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles family,” said Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles President and CEO, Neal Aton in a statement.

“With his wide range of talents, generosity of spirit, positive energy and deep connection to our wish kids, we’re betting he’s going to inject our evening with a whole new level of fun and excitement.”

Lopez previously worked with the organization and made a young boy’s wish a reality by having him sing alongside Maroon 5 and appear on EXTRA as part of World Wish Day.

The multi-talented 43-year-old’s career began as a child actor in the early 1980’s but he’s arguably best known for playing A.C. Slater on the NBC Saturday morning teen comedy, Saved by the Bell. The cult classic ran for 87 episodes from 1989 to 1993 and included two movies and a prime time spinoff (Saved by the Bell: The College Years).

Thanks to online gifs and memes, Jimmy Fallon’s affection for the show, and the general nostalgia for 1990’s pop culture, renewed interest has been sparked in SBTB.

Lopez’s likable personality and familiar dimpled smile led to an appearance on Dancing with the Stars (where he finished runner-up to NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith), co-hosting season 2 of The X Factor, and countless other guest roles (often playing himself). He took over hosting duties on EXTRA in 2008.

Outside of his roles in the entertainment world, Lopez serves as an Alumni Ambassador of Fitness for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

The 4th Annual Wishing Well Winter Gala will feature a performance from Grammy-nominated artist Tori Kelly as well as silent and live auctions and a special wish granting.

Photo Credit: Wikicommons

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