Estate planning firm supports Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona

PHOENIX — KTAR’s community spotlight this month shines a light on the charitable contributions by Morris Hall, an estate planning firm that supports Make-A-Wish Arizona.

West Hunsaker, an attorney and partner at Morris Hall, describes himself as the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s No. 1 fan.

“I think I’m the chief fanboy of Make-A-Wish,” Hunsaker told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Tuesday.

He said it’s inspiring to see the kindness and generosity of donors who give money to support the foundation’s mission to give sick children positive experiences.

“I think it’s one of the great things about our society right now,” Hunsaker said. “Tremendous, wonderfully generous people … help the dreams of these poor, sick children come true.”

Make-A-Wish Arizona has deep roots

This branch of the international organization has a long history. In fact, the foundation started in Phoenix in 1980.

A 7-year-old boy named Christopher Greicius inspired the foundation’s goal of granting the wishes of children with illnesses.

His Phoenix community came together to honor him. Shortly before he died from leukemia, his wish of becoming an officer with the Arizona Department of Public Safety was fulfilled.

Not only was Greicius given a badge and a uniform, but he was also sworn in as the department’s first and only honorary officer.

Why Morris Hall attorney is passionate about Make-A-Wish Arizona

Hunsaker has a long history with the foundation.

“My story with Make-A-Wish started with my oldest daughter and her best friend since they were 4 years old,” Hunsaker said.

During the girls’ sophomore year in high school, his daughter’s best friend was diagnosed with Stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

“I distinctly remember going to the Phoenix Children’s hospital that night and hearing the words from her father,” Hunsaker said. “He was just told that his daughter only had 18 months to live.”

It was a somber, life-changing moment. Hunsaker felt like there was nothing he could do.

“I literally looked through an old phone book and called Make-A-Wish and begged them to let me help,” Hunsaker said.

Since then, he’s been supporting the foundation. During his time donating to Make-A-Wish Arizona, he’s seen children make all sorts of wishes.

“Some of the funniest ones I’ve seen are the wish to go to a pickle factory,” Hunsaker said.

Another wish he helped fulfill was humbling.

“I was a wish granter for a little boy in Surprise,” Hunsaker said. “I was shocked when his wish was go to spend the day at Arrowhead Mall.”

He had expected a grandiose wish like a trip to Disneyland. But the boy had only been to the mall once in his life and wanted another trip.

How does estate planning firm help foundation?

In addition to donating to help Make-A-Wish, Hunsaker said he also urges people to take legal action to support the charity.

“Charities survive on donations now, and then also donations to come you can put in your will or in your trust,” Hunsaker said.

It can help a person’s estate from a tax perspective.

“It also helps your family create a legacy and to pass on an example of what you are, and what you would like, your family to become,” Hunsaker said.

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