I run Mickey Visit, a media company providing Disney news and vacation planning resources. Through our work, I have had the opportunity to closely cover Disney’s partnership with Make-A-Wish, attend wish events at the Disney Parks, and support the cause through fundraising. Seeing these experiences firsthand has made a major impact on me and has brought me closer to the cause. Previously, when I published my first book on the history of Disneyland, I donated a percentage of the profits to Make-A-Wish because I wanted to directly support the organization’s mission. 

Did you know that Disney and Make-A-Wish have a strong connection? 

Disney helped to grant the first wish that Make-A-Wish ever received in 1981. It was a trip to Disneyland. Disney has gone on to help fulfill more than 175,000 wishes over their 45-year partnership with Make-A-Wish. Disney grants an average of a wish every hour of every day, and one out of every two wishes granted in the United States is a Disney wish. 

What stands out most to me is how these wishes impact not just the child, but the entire family. During the events I have attended, I have seen siblings connect with other siblings, parents support one another, and kids find real joy and escape during incredibly difficult moments in their lives. I have heard stories from parents about how these experiences gave their families moments of relief, joy, and togetherness during incredibly difficult periods of their lives. I've learned how wishes can create long-lasting bonds between families and how the wish can mark a turning point in a child's healing journey. 

My recent experience covering the organization has reinforced how powerful these moments can be and made me want to contribute more directly to the mission through fundraising and advocacy. 

See more about how Disney is still evolving their wish granting in our recent feature article. The banner image above is from this recent event. 

Throughout my training and the 26.2 miles of the race itself, the stories of these incredible kids will be what fuels me. Running a marathon is tough, but I am proud to take on this physical challenge to help raise funds for a cause that matters so deeply. 

Thank you for your generosity in joining me to support the Make-A-Wish cause. Thank you for joining me to support Make-A-Wish by donating today. Please help me to blow past my fundraising goal!