Diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disorder, Aurora has faced
many health challenges. The pain and discomfort caused by her
condition forced her to stop the activities she loved most. But
even during this dark chapter, Aurora found a source of light:
the mighty Marvel Cinematic Universe. She found herself especially
drawn to the character Bucky Barnes.
When Aurora was introduced to Make-A-Wish, her wish was clear:
to visit the set of “Thunderbolts,” a new Marvel Studios film,
and meet the actors who had helped her through the hardest
time in her life.
On her wish day, Aurora became immersed in the world she had
long admired on a screen. She met the cast and crew, explored
behind the scenes and celebrated her 18th birthday on set. When she met the actor who plays Bucky Barnes, the two exchanged dog tag necklaces – an unplanned, heartfelt moment that Aurora still treasures today.
For Aurora and her family, her wish was a turning point in her mental and emotional well-being.
“She was having some really bad mental health issues before the wish was granted,” Aurora’s mom, Dawn said. “And after the wish was granted, that deep, dark place that she had gone to, she never went back.”
Aurora's Wish
“She was having some really bad mental health issues before the wish was granted. And after the wish was granted, that deep, dark place that she had gone to, she never went back.”
Dawn, Aurora's mom
I wish to meet Lightning McQueen
Heison, 8
leukemia
Heison was only 2 years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia.
Throughout his treatment, he leaned on the love and care of his
family – and drew unexpected strength from one of his favorite
movies, Disney and Pixar’s “Cars.”
Watching Lightning McQueen win races with grit and
determination, the character became a role model for Heison
and motivated him to bravely persevere through his
medical journey.
Heison’s admiration for “Cars” inspired his heartfelt wish: to meet
Lightning McQueen. On his wish day, over 400 wish families,
volunteers and friends gathered at Hong Kong Disneyland® to
witness Heison’s wish come true.
Heison's Wish
This holiday season, we extend our gratitude for your dedication to making life-changing wishes come true. Thanks to you, children with critical illnesses have the chance to experience childhood joy again - at a time when they truly need it most.
We look forward to granting more magical wishes in the year ahead. Thank you, Disney!
Seasons Greetings from Your Friends at Make-A-Wish
Since 1980, Disney and Make-A-Wish have made more than 170,000 wishes come true for children with critical illnesses. Disney is the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish, granting a wish every hour of every day.
Together, we transform lives, one wish at a timeTM.
Thank you!
I wish to visit the set of Marvel's "Thunderbolts"
Aurora, 18
gastrointestinal disorder
I wish to visit the set of Marvel's "Thunderbolts"
Aurora, 18
gastrointestinal disorder
