How Disney and Make-A-Wish Made One Illinois Boy’s Dream Come True
The partnership between The Walt Disney Company and Make-A-Wish continues to be one of the most inspiring partnerships in the world.
Since 1980, Disney and Make-A-Wish have granted the wish of more than 150,00 children worldwide. In fact, one out of every two wishes granted in the United States has been a Disney wish.
For children going through a hard time in their lives, a Disney wish can be a life-changing experience and a much-needed respite.
That was certainly the case for Aydin Celick, an 8-year-old boy from Streamwood, Illinois.
Aydin was diagnosed with leukemia in 2022, and the once lively boy was soon sick from his intense treatments.
“I don’t remember exactly the words that were said. All I do remember them saying is, ‘You need to get to Lurie. Your child needs immediate medical assistance,'” said Sebnem Celik, Aydin’s mother.
A Magical Trip to Disney World
While fighting his cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, Aydin asked to go to Walt Disney World. It was just the kind of wish that Make-A-Wish is an expert in granting.
“For those few days, nothing else was on our mind but Disney,” Sebnem said.
The trip to Florida was a magical journey for Aydin and his family, as well as a much-needed break.
“From the moment we got there, to the time we left, we were their priority,” Sebnem said.
At Walt Disney World, Aydin got to create a droid at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and meet his favorite Disney characters.
“The food, the popcorn, and skipping the lines,” Aydin said.
Aydin is Doing Well
Now, back home, Aydin is surrounded by his family and a new batch of priceless memories.
“The week that we had there was just beyond believable, beyond magical. It was so nice,” Sebnem said.
Aydin’s mother says the young boy is still undergoing treatment, however if all goes as planned he will be able to stop chemotherapy in about two years.
For more information on Disney’s ongoing partnership with Make-A-Wish visit: https://wish.org/disney
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