On April 29, 1980 two people granted a wish to one boy and that started a domino affect of kindness. Original Make-A-Wish granters Tommy and Kay Austin know the importance of the organization all too well. 

A mere 39 years ago, the Austins extended their hearts to help a seven-year-old boy diagnosed with Lukemia realize his dream. 

"We asked him if we could bring them for a tour and [was told to] bring [them] for tomorrow [for] a ride in the helicopter," Tommy said. 

By granting that wish, the Austins opened the door to what the Make-A-Wish foundation is today. A total of 45 countries and 65 chapters later, Make-A-Wish has helped thousands of children.

CEO Bill Trigg says the wishes go far beyond helping terminally ill patients.  

"In the last year we've changed even more so. Now we grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses," Trigg said.

Trigg says more than 80 percent of the children served in the Northeastern Chapter are alive and well today. Children like Davia Rossi who was diagnosed Hodgkin's disease in 2016.

The 17 year old was granted a trip to Aruba. She says that trip gave her the strength to fight and today she is cancer free. 

"You're going through something not many people go through, so when you're looking forward to doing your wish it's like a new light," Rossi said.

The Austins say looking back, their contribution is more than they could have hoped for. 

If you want to become a part of Make-A-Wish's Northeast chapter, you can visit the website at neny.wish.org.