NBA legend Michael Jordan didn’t want anything for his birthday. Instead, he wanted to give something for his birthday.
What he gave for his 60th birthday was the biggest individual donation in Make-A-Wish‘s 43-year history.
Jordan’s birthday present was making and helping to inspire others to make children’s dreams come true.
Jordan has worked with the foundation, which grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses, since 1989.
He is one of the most requested celebrities for meet-and-greets..
He’s granted the wishes of hundreds of children across the world and was made a Make-A-Wish Chief Wish Ambassador in 2008 for having such a profound impact on children and their families.
But Jordan says the children are the ones that have had an impact on him.
“Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration. I can’t think of a better birthday gift than seeing others join me in supporting Make-A-Wish so that every child can experience the magic of having their wish come true,” Jordan said.
A 2022 study discovered the actual impact that these wish have on children and their families. Having their wishes granted was found to help with the physical, mental, and emotional health of the child.
It even gave them a better chance of recovery.
Wishes were found to increase “hope, strength, joy, confidence, self-esteem, quality of life, and well-being.” They also aided with coping during changes in treatment, strengthening the bond between families, and helping to reduce depression, hopelessness, trauma, and feeling alone.
“Michael using his birthday as a chance to make history for Make-A-Wish speaks to the quality of his character and his loyal dedication to making life better for children with critical illnesses,” Make-A-Wish President and CEO Leslie Motter said.
Jordan’s gift will go toward an endowment that will fulfill future wishes.
Jordan hasn’t only inspired those looking to improve the lives of children worldwide.
He’s also inspired millions of fans throughout his career.
According to NPR, he won six NBA championships and is a five-time MVP winner.
He’s also a 14-time All-Star and a Hall of Famer.
Jordan played for the Bulls for 13 seasons and took a year-and-a-half break to play minor league baseball with the Chicago White Sox.
He then picked basketball back up for two more seasons with the Washington Wizards.
These days he serves as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
According to Bleacher Report, Jordan is a record-breaking player. He holds the record for being the only player in NBA history never to score under 20 points in a finals game.
He’s also known for breaking two records in one half of a game by making 20 free throws and taking 23.
There are even more than that.
Jordan’s birthday donation is just another record on his long list of breaking records.
Another celebrity to recently break another Make-A-Wish record is John Cena.
The pro-wrestler and actor set the Guinness World Record for granting the most Make-A-Wish Foundation wishes.
Cena helped to grant the wishes of 650 children.
Cena first partnered with the organization in 2002.
He was also named as the most requested celebrity.
Learn more about Jordan’s birthday donation in the video below.
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