Nearly 45 years ago, the first official wish was granted at Disneyland. Since then, Disney has worked with Make-A-Wish® to grant wishes and create happiness, hope, and inspiration for kids and families when it’s needed most. This summer, Disney and Make-A-Wish are teaming up to grant many magical wishes across the company and around the world, including Disney’s 170,000th wish.
Disney Grants 170,000th Wish During Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary
While undergoing treatment for leukemia, 13-year-old Madison (Maddie) read The Imagineering Story and watched Behind the Attraction on Disney+. This inspired her wish: to meet the Imagineers who bring the parks to life, and one day become an Imagineer herself.
Maddie’s two-day wish experience included a tour of Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, where she was surprised by Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Make-A-Wish CEO Leslie Motter to learn she is Disney’s 170,000th wish kid! She later met renowned Imagineers who help bring Disney stories to life in our parks around the world. The next day, she joined in the 70th anniversary festivities at Disneyland and went behind-the-scenes of some of her favorite attractions. Read more about Madison’s wish here.
ESPN “My Wish” Series Returns for its 18th Season
The award-winning ESPN “My Wish” series returned for its 18th season on Sunday, July 13, featuring NFL, boxing, and baseball stars. Since its beginning in 2006, the series has worked with Make-A-Wish to fulfill 88 sports-themed wishes for children with critical illnesses. This year’s series of wishes featured Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, boxing champion Canelo Alvarez, and the beloved Savannah Bananas.
The series kicked off with a profile of 14-year old Aiden and his 17-year old brother Ryan, who share a special bond. The two natives of Minnesota love football, and as Aiden battled leukemia last year, Ryan matched as his bone-marrow donor. So, when Aiden chose to spend time with the Minnesota Vikings and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson for his wish, he insisted that his big brother be at his side to enjoy the day too. You can watch this and other inspirational stories from this year’s series here.
A Special Sports Wish Comes True at the 2025 ESPY Awards
At 16 years old, Dylan was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. At the time, he was getting ready for his junior year of high school where he played basketball and tennis and was on the bass fishing team.
Dylan’s wish to meet his favorite athletes was granted at The 2025 ESPYS in Los Angeles. Leading up to his wish, Dylan and his family experienced a tour of ESPN Studios in LA, including an opportunity to go on air on NBA Today where Caitlin Clark shared a special surprise message for him. Dylan and his family also attended ESPN’s Sports Humanitarian Awards and met NBA guard CJ McCollum, WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil, and retired punter and podcast host Pat McAfee, as well as leaders from The Walt Disney Company, including Jimmy Pitaro and Bob Iger. On the day of the ESPYS, Dylan visited the Athlete Lounge and met more athletes and celebrities before being surprised by visiting the Pat McAfee Show live. A few hours later he walked the red carpet and enjoyed the ESPYS with his family.
A Magical Wish Comes True at the Premiere of Zombies 4
For 11-year-old Zoe, Milo Manheim’s performances brought warmth to her healing journey. When it came time for her wish, she wished to meet the actor from the ZOMBIES series. In June, Milo sent a self-recorded message to Zoe revealing that her wish would come true at the ZOMBIES 4 premiere! On the day of the wish, Zoe and her family were super excited to meet Milo, sharing some great conversations, hugs, and high fives.
To learn more about Disney and Make-A-Wish, visit Joy.Disney.com.