Police are asking the public’s help after a statue of Arizona’s first Make-A-Wish child was stolen from the organization’s headquarters in Central Phoenix this week.

Make-A-Wish’s most prized items, a bronze statue representing the very start of the nonprofit, was stolen and loaded into the back of a car around 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Surveillance cameras show two individuals pulled up to the headquarters near 16th Street and Highland Avenue around 10 p.m. After using a harness and a chain to remove the statue from the base they loaded the statue in the trunk of their car and drove off.

Make-A-Wish says the statue is that of Christopher James Greicius, a 7-year-old who inspired the creation of the nonprofit. His wish was granted on April 29, 1980, when he was able to be a police officer with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. He was given a helicopter ride and uniform. As a result, he inspired six people to form the foundation, which has since grown to more than 52 chapters around the country, and 30 additional international affiliates. It has grown to be the biggest wish-granting organization in the U.S. for kids with terminal illnesses.

The statue was unveiled in 2018 and Greicius’ mother, Linda Pauling, who lives in Scottsdale, never imagined that someone would steal it. The statue means so much to her and she just wants it returned. Pauling spends several hours serving as the foundation’s ambassador and is devastated. Pauling would kiss the statue every time she walked by it. She and the Make-A-Wish team want it returned, back home where he belongs.

Phoenix Police are investigating and are asking for the public’s help. If you’ve seen the bronze statue or know where it may be, please call the police or submit a tip through Silent Witness.