Kids Wish Network Joins Forces with Disneyland for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Celebration
This week, four brave Kids Wish Network children fighting critical illnesses experienced a galaxy far, far away through a multi-day Star Wars-themed wish event at Disneyland Resort – Blaze Your Path: A Star Wars Adventure. Kids Wish Network collaborated with Disney to make this dream come true for children who wished for an immersive Star Wars experience. The event featured droid building, scavenger hunts to assemble lightsabers, surprise character appearances, and an exclusive dinner and dessert party at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland Park.
Among the 19 children participating in this once-in-a-lifetime event included:
11 year-old Jacob, living with Aperts Syndrome, was excited to try some new moves on the lighted dance floor with his brother, following breakfast his first day.
7 year-old Cody, diagnosed with Beckers muscular dystrophy, sported his Star Wars R2 D2 Mickey ears hat when meeting the real R2D2.
10 year-old Ellie, born with CLOVES syndrome, enjoyed the droid building workshop the most! She named her droid BB-9.
7 year-old Eric, recently diagnosed with Batten’s disease, loved playing with legos while watching the Star Wars Rebuild the Galaxy episodes with his family.
Their adventure began with a special Star Wars-themed breakfast during which each child was able to choose their own path—light or dark—setting the stage for the unforgettable experience that followed. Disney added an extra touch of magic by gifting each family with Star Wars-themed backpacks filled with accessories, LEGO® sets, Funko Pop! figures, pins, and books from Disney Publishing.
"This event represents the heart of what we do at Kids Wish Network," Tam Lai, Executive Director. "Creating moments of joy and hope for children facing life-threatening conditions is incredibly powerful, and seeing these kids live out their Star Wars dreams is nothing short of amazing. Thanks to Disney for such a magical experience!"
Blaze Your Path: A Star Wars Adventure wish event not only uplifted the spirits of these children, but it also gave their families a chance to share in the joy, leaving behind the stresses and challenges of medical treatments, if only for a little while.
The kids and their families ended their stay with more Disney magic at Disneyland Resort, including time at the theme parks and a stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
“Disneyland Resort was honored to welcome children and their families from Kids Wish Network for this one-of-a-kind Star Wars event,” said Kim Chips, senior manager, of corporate social responsibility at Disneyland Resort. “We are committed to making wishes come true, and events like this are one way we can bring joy to families in a uniquely Disney way when it is needed most.”
For over 25 years, Kids Wish Network has been making dreams come true for children facing life-altering situations, and partnerships like this help make those dreams a reality.
To learn more about Kids Wish Network and how you can help support more wishes like these, visit kidswishnetwork.org.
ABOUT KIDS WISH NETWORK
Kids Wish Network is a charitable organization dedicated to making dreams come true for children facing life-threatening illnesses and life-altering situations. Through wish-granting, the organization provides opportunities for children to experience moments of joy and hope amidst their challenging journeys.
For detailed information about the Disneyland Resort, please visit disneyland.com.
ABOUT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT
Located in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort features two theme parks – Disneyland Park (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District dining, entertainment, and shopping complex. When it opened on July 17, 1955, Disneyland introduced the world to a new concept in family entertainment and continues to use creativity, technology, and innovation to bring storytelling to new heights. With over 35,000 cast members, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County’s largest employer and generates approximately $8.5 billion annually for the Southern California economy. For detailed information about the Disneyland Resort, please visit disneyland.com.