Make-A-Wish – A Walk With The Mouse

Disney Celebrates World Wish Day by Bestowing Highest Honor

Posted on May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Make-A-Wish is an organization near and dear to my heart. Though I’ve never been in the position to have a loved one be a Wish Kid, having lost a child I know all too well the fear and pain the Wish Families go through. The fact that Make-A-Wish exists to bring joy to terminally and critically ill children is one of the purest things on earth if you ask me. There’s no honor I think Wish Kids don’t deserve so when I discovered how Disneyland celebrated World Wish Day my heart smiled.

April 29 is World Wish Day in honor of the day the very first wish was granted, and it just so happened to be a Disney Wish! To honor that, Disneyland bestowed Make-A-Wish with its highest honor- a window. At both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. If you look up on Main Street USA, you’ll see names on the windows. These names aren’t random- they honor an individual (typically a Cast Member or Imagineer) who has made a significant impact in Disney Parks history.

On April 28 2023, the day before World Wish Day, Disneyland dedicated three windows to Make-A-Wish. Present at the dedication was Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock, Make-A-Wish America President and CEO Leslie Motter and Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Josh D’Amaro. Two very special mothers were also in attendance as well as six children on their own Wish Trips.

The center window is dedicated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and all Wish Kids, past, present, and future. The two represent the wishes that started it all. One window is dedicated to Chris Greicius, the inspiration for Make-A-Wish. The other window is dedicated to Frank “Bopsy” Salazar, the first ever wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Both children tragically lost their battle with leukemia at 7 years old but their stories on and inspire.

The Chris Greicius Story

In 1979, Chris Greicius had one dream in life: to be a policeman. He always said that he wanted to catch bad guys. During the course of his illness, he developed a close bond with family friend and US Customs Agent, Tommy Austin. They would play cops and robbers together (Chris was always the cop).

Eventually, Chris was hospitalized and it became clear to his family (and Austin) that he was going to lose his fight. Austin decided he had to do something for Chris. It wasn’t fair that he wasn’t going to get the chance to grow up and catch bad guys, but maybe his dream could still come true somehow.

Austin reached out to Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer Ron Cox and together with the help of the department, they made a plan for Chris’ Wish to come true.

Lt. Col. Dick Schaefer stepped in and gave Chris one of his own old badges. He also swore Chris in as an official honorary Department of Public Safety Officer. They didn’t stop.there though. The department gave him a helicopter tour of Phoenix and he even got to “drive” a police car (with help of course). The officers presented him with an official police uniform that had been specially created for him. They delivered it to him at the hospital where he wore it with pride. Unfortunately Chris lost his battle with leukemia two days later.

His mother, Linda Pauling was touched by the kindness shown to her son in his final days. She recognized what a difference that wish being granted made for him. Together with Frank Shankwitz and Scott Stahl, Linda helped found the Greicius Make-A-Wish Memorial which would later become the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Linda was one of the two special mothers present at Disneyland during the dedication. She is pictured above with her son’s window before it was installed.

The Frank “Bopsy” Salazar Story

Frank “Bopsy” Salazar’s story has been told so many times that it has become something of an urban legend. It’s been changed and altered and details have been added or taken away as the story is passed along. After much research, I’ve tried to do his story justice and bring the most accurate retelling available because everyone’s true story deserves to be told.

Like Chris Greicius, he was a 7 year old boy in Arizona battling leukemia When his wish came true. It was his doctor, Dr. Frank Barranco, who helped make it happen. He introduced Bopsy’s mother to Linda Pauling in 1980 and Pauling explained what her brand new foundation was trying to do. When asked what his wish was, Bopsy gave it some very serious thought.

At first he said he wanted a hot air balloon ride. Then he changed his mind and wanted to go to Disneyland. Finally he decided what he really wanted was to become a fireman. He let everyone know he’d decided. Make-A-Wish had other ideas though. The organization’s co-founder Frank Shankwitz had been visiting with Bopsy to find out about his dreams. Instead of making him choose between the three wishes, they’d grant all of them!

He got his balloon ride and his trip to Disneyland (which catalyzed a long-lasting relationship between Disney and Make-A-Wish) but it was the firemen who really made Bopsy’s final days joyful.

Phoenix Fire Department’s Fireman Bob — whose real name is Bob Walp — stepped in the give the boy his wish and make his firefightinf dreams come true.

In an interview with HufPost Walp said, “We didn’t want to just give him a tour. We decided to give him a badge and a jacket. We let him use the hose. We took him in the truck.”

One day in 1981 Bopsy took a turn for the worse. Someone from the hospital called Make-A-Wish who contacted Fireman Bob. The fireman brought his team out and decided to say hello to their friend Bopsy in the most unforgettable way: they climbed their fire ladder up to his window and climbed in. Toward the end of the visit, Bopsy turned to Fireman Bob. “Am I a real firefighter?” he asked. “Well, yeah,” Walp responded. “Of course you are.” Bopsy passed away the next morning, after becoming the first ever Wish Kid.

Bopsy’s mother, Octaviana Trujillo, is the other very special mothers that was in attendance. She is pictured above also with her son’s window.

It is my sincere wish that child illness and loss never touch your life. Pauling, Trujillo, and I all belong to a tragic club and I never want to accept new members into this club. Losing a child is the greatest pain imaginable. No one should ever know what it feel like for your child to receive a devastating diagnosis …or worse. However, for those who do know and live this pain, I am grateful that Make-A-Wish exists. Bringing joy to any child, but especially a sick child, is one of the most noble things a person could ever do. If you’d like to be a hero and help make a child’s wish come true, you can donate here.

Violet, Found Her Voice After Meeting Mickey Mouse

Posted on February 12, 2021February 12, 2021 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

As part of “The Wish Effect,” Disney has caught up with some amazing kids to see how their wishes continue to impact them to this day. Now, Disney is introducing Violet, whose wish was granted by Disney and Make-A-Wish in 2013. The words we love to hear – “I’m going to Disneyland!” For wish kid Violet, this life-changing wish trip was even more magical because it helped her find her passion for performance. Check out Violet’s sweet story below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.

Violet is a 10-year-old from Texas who loves everything about the Disneyland Resort – from the pineapple perfection of a Dole Whip, to the thrill of exploring Pixar Pier, to the spooky-sweet smell of the Gingerbread House in Haunted Mansion Holiday. When Violet was only 7 months old, she was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye. During her treatment, Make-A-Wish asked Violet for her one true wish, and she knew immediately she wanted to meet Mickey Mouse at Disneyland.

When Violet’s wish day arrived, it was all the sweeter because it came true on her 3rd birthday. The wish was an unforgettable experience for Violet and her family, but it was only the beginning. In Violet’s own words, “my wish pretty much changed my life.”

“A lot of things have evolved and happened from her wish,” Violet’s mom, Shenay, explained. “Violet was asked to host a Make-A-Wish gala. When she got on stage, she found her spot. She loved being up there, and helping.”

“Violet’s wish inspired her to give back even more. She started to make artwork to auction off at the Make-A-Wish galas,” Shenay remembered. “One piece went for $25,000. It’s amazing that something so difficult in our lives became an opportunity to give back. It made us feel like what we went through wasn’t for nothing. I’m so grateful for all of it.”

Violet’s vivacity charmed thousands, and she went on to co-host over a dozen Make-A-Wish galas all over the country, “where I helped raise millions of dollars,” explained Violet. “I’ve been so blessed to be in Disney and Make-A-Wish videos, TV shows, a film, and even voiceovers for radio and animation.”

One of Violet’s favorite experiences was getting to be a part of the video “It Stays With You,” which premiered at D23 Expo in 2019. You can spot Violet holding Mickey and Minnie’s hands and running through the castle, an Easter egg callback to her magical wish to meet Mickey a few years prior.

With such an impressive resume at 10 years old, you may wonder what is next for Violet? “When all of this is over, I’m so excited to go to Disneyland to see all of my friends again,” she enthused. And in another few years, “I really want to be a Disney cast member. I could be an Imagineer, or I could help dress the cast members, any job really. I would just love to be on the team!”

Violet still has a few years to decide her career path. But for now, she has some important advice: “as wish kids, we face challenges every day that most people don’t. We’re like superheroes because we’re so brave and strong. This is just another obstacle and we will get through this together. Never give up! I know having patience can be really hard, when you’re waiting for something you want so badly. But hold on to hope and always remember that you’re very, very loved.”

For all the parents of wish kids, Shenay shared that “it must be so hard to be waiting for the wish right now. Keep that faith in your heart and know that there is a light at the end of this tunnel.”

To learn more about how Disney is working with Make-A-Wish to provide magic to wish kids and their families when they need it most, and to see more episodes of “The Wish Effect” visit wish.org/Disney.

Make-A-Wish and Disney Grant Wish to Selfless Boy Who Pays it Forward

Posted on December 21, 2020December 21, 2020 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Vis DisneyLists.com

For those of us who love Disney, it can be hard to name the thing we love the most. While we love the amazing theming, great attractions and beloved characters, it’s the joy Disney brings to the hearts of people everywhere the ability of Disney magic to bring out the best in people that we love the most.

From a Disney Cast Member;

If you could make a wish, what would it be? For wish kid Henry, this question resulted in a selfless act of generosity with a lasting impact.

Last week, we shared Tali’s epic wish for a Disney-themed RV camper, and today, I’m excited to introduce you to Henry, whose wish was to bring toys to all of the kids receiving care at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

Henry is an 18-year-old from Oregon who adores Pua from “Moana” and is an avid coffee drinker. In June 2018, he was diagnosed with cancer. While he was in treatment, Henry stayed strong for his family, but he often felt scared and nervous – until a nurse gifted him a teddy bear.

“I was in a really tough place, but those teddy bears made me smile and gave me a little joy and warmth in my heart,” said Henry. “I loved that and I wanted to bring that to others.”

The nurse’s gift left such a lasting impact on Henry that when Make-A-Wish asked Henry for his wish, he knew right away that it was to give stuffed animals to other children at OHSU who may be feeling anxious while undergoing treatment.

“I remember looking in my mom’s eyes and telling her that I’d like to use my wish on a huge toy drive for the kiddos at Doernbecher’s,” said Henry. “I already have a beautiful family and I’m healthy now, so I decided I’d rather give, because that’s the greatest gift.”

Henry’s wish was granted exactly one year to the day after OHSU removed the cancerous tumor. Henry and his family were picked up in a limo and headed to their local Disney Store, where they picked out hundreds of toys for the kids at the hospital.

The Disney Store cast members helped the family load up the limo with bags and bags of toys for the kids and gifted Henry with his very own Pua plush, which Henry still has to this day.

At OHSU, Henry surprised young cancer patients and the families from the very floor where he was treated the year prior. He helped the kids pick out any toy that they wanted and was greeted with tearful parents, and some very excited kids.

“Seeing the reactions of the little kids filled my heart. I’m so glad I was able to make them smile, even for a little bit.” Henry remembered. “I still get emotional now just thinking about it because it’s something I’m never going to forget.”

A little over two years after his wish was granted, Henry is doing great. He is very close with his family and works as a coffee shop barista. For all the wish kids out there, Henry wants you to know that “each of you has a story. Whatever you decide to do, do it as long as it brings you joy and warmth. Have the time of your life with your families, and shine bright like always because you’re special for sure!”

Henry’s selfless wish is just one of the 140,000 wishes that Disney and Make-A-Wish have granted together since 1980. To learn more, visit wish.org/Disney and stay tuned for even more stories as part of “The Wish Effect!”

Disney With An Inspiring Make-A-Wish Story

Posted on December 11, 2020December 11, 2020 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Via DisneyLists.com

Tali, a 12-year-old girl, received a dream camper from Disney and Make-A-Wish, allowing her to safely road trip with her family. Returning with a renewed outlook, Tali and her family started creating care packages for children being treated for similar diseases and took their community outreach to new heights: successfully petitioning for the first-ever childhood cancer awareness license plate in her home state of New Mexico.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Do you know the power of a wish? For kids undergoing medical treatments for serious illnesses, a wish can bring happiness, hope and joy – and a moment in which they can forget about treatment and just be a kid. For most kids, a wish represents an important moment– but what happens after the wish? How did their lives change as a result of these magic moments? A few weeks ago, we launched a new video series called The Wish Effect to answer these questions. The series catches up with several wish kids, and digs into how the wish continues to influence their lives to this day. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you our first interview in the series, featuring wish kid Tali, whose wish was granted last year.

Tali is a 7^th grader from New Mexico who loves Disney and exploring nature with her family: mom, dad and little sister, Roz. In 2018, she was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer that affects the nervous system.

When Make-A-Wish asked Tali to share her one true wish, she chose something the whole family could enjoy, that also combined all three of her passions: a Disney-themed RV camper!

“Tali loves nature, so a camper was not surprising,” said Juliana, Tali’s mom. “She’s very thoughtful, she loves her family, and we were very honored to be a part of her wish so we could all enjoy this together. It’s something we can cherish for many, many years to come.”

From a plethora of plush in the dining area, to a bunk bed inspired by Tali’s favorite film, “Lilo and Stitch,” the camper is decked out from top to bottom in Disney décor. The camper has enabled the family to spend more quality time together, and they’ve already gone on several unforgettable adventures, including to White Sands National Park and Jemez Springs.

Tali’s family has also used the RV to safely travel during the pandemic. “The RV is especially nice this year because we do travel out of state for treatment periodically, and especially in this COVID-19 environment we have a home-away-from-home we can take with us,” said Gabe, Tali’s dad.

When the family isn’t on a road trip in their Disney-themed camper, they are hard at work helping other families dealing with cancer. The shirts Juliana and Gabe are sporting support their efforts to raise awareness for childhood cancer awareness.

“The Zia symbol is symbolic of New Mexico, and the money that we raise from the t-shirts actually goes to making care packages for newly diagnosed kids in the hospital,” said Gabe.

Nearly a year after the wish took place in December 2019, the family still feels the effect. “A wish brings lots of hope to families like ours when you can’t plan for the future,” said Juliana. “You don’t know what might happen, so it gives us hope, gives us a bright light in a time where things are uncertain.”

When asked to describe her wish experience, Tali summed it up in one word: “Magical.”

A wish reflects the creativity of each child’s imagination, which is why we’re so honored that together, Disney and Make-A-Wish have grated more than 140,000 wishes since 1980. To learn more, visit wish.org/Disney and stay tuned for even more stories as part of “The Wish Effect!”

April 29th Was Make-A-Wish Day

Posted on May 1, 2020 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

April 29 was World Wish Day! It was the day Make-A-Wish was founded in 1980. DisneyParksBlog shares a beautiful story and video below for this very special day:

To all who make wishes and to those who make wishes come true — Happy World Wish Day!

On April 29, 1980, Make-A-Wish was founded upon the inspirational story of Chris Greicius, a young boy who dreamt of being a police officer. Since that day, Make-A-Wish has grown into a global organization and granted nearly half a million wishes worldwide.

These special moments have touched the hearts of so many people over the years, leaving a lifelong impact on both the wish child and the roughly 200 people it takes to make every wish come true.

It also marks the 40th anniversary of Disney’s relationship with Make-A-Wish, as Disneyland Resort was part of the first ‘official’ wish for a boy named Frank “Bopsy” Salazar.

Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to make over 140,000 wishes come true around the globe. Every one of them is special to us, and a chance to celebrate the hope, courage, and perseverance of the amazing children at the heart of every wish experience.

We also celebrate the organization that helps make those wishes come true. So from all of us here at Disney – Happy Anniversary, Make-A-Wish! Here’s to 40 more years of making extraordinary wishes come true together.