Being invited to Hollywood’s blue carpet world premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker sounds like a galaxy far, far away for most devout fans. Yet the stars aligned for Ayden Cazares who experienced his out-of-this-world dream through Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses.

Kids Wish Network flew Ayden and his mom to Los Angeles. On his big day, he was chauffeured by Top Shelf Concierge Services in a luxurious SUV to the Dolby Theatre. This adoring Star Wars fan and his mom shared the blue carpet with The Rise of Skywalker cast and Hollywood’s elite, celebrating the much-anticipated epic conclusion of the iconic Skywalker saga. He was among the first kids where the stars walked in, and the blue carpet was abounding with thrilling arrivals. Ayden met Star Wars icons Harrison Ford (Han Solo) and Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), as well as Daisy Ridley (Rey), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Producer/Director/Screenwriter J.J. Abrams, Disney CEO Bob Iger, and the massive list of celebrities in attendance. “He also loved meeting Pedro Pascal,” said his mom Aranely. It was a whirlwind of surreal moments, and his abundance of photos and autographs scrapbook all of his night’s magical moments. 

After all the blue carpet’s sparkly excitement, Ayden was among the first in the world to screen the film along with the cast who were also seeing it for the first time. After the screening, the fun continued attending the after-party. During his wish, Ayden and his mom also enjoyed swanky accommodations at The London West Hollywood.

Ayden was born with aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve opening. Even after undergoing surgery, he still faces challenges. “He has endured so much at a young age,” said his mom. “There are truly no words to express my gratitude for the happiness you brought to him. He enjoyed every minute of it.”

“When we were designing his wish, we knew we had to make this happen for him,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai. “It’s so exciting to celebrate the ending of this iconic legacy of the Star Wars saga with this new generation.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following sponsors for making Ayden’s dreams become a reality:

• The Walt Disney Company

• The London West Hollywood

• Top Shelf Concierge Services (luxury chauffeured transportation)

• Merlin’s Magic Wand – Madame Tussauds (Los Angeles)

Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides trip expenses, meals, accommodations, and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs, and find out how you can help make dreams come true and sponsor a wish for a deserving child.

Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about the different programs.