“Focus. Speed. I am speed.” Rev your engines, “Cars” fans – we’ve got an exciting wish to share straight from Hong Kong Disneyland Resort! Picture this: A Lightning McQueen-loving child zooming into an evening parade alongside a special guest to meet his idol. Well, buckle up, because dreams do come true when you pair Disney and Make-A-Wish – a team more than 40 magical years in the making. Just a few days ago, 8-year-old Heison got to experience the moment of a lifetime in front of hundreds of people.
Heison is the ultimate Lightning McQueen aficionado. Since he was just two years old, he has been a fan of everyone’s favorite racing superstar! But this isn’t just any fandom… it’s one fueled by courage and resilience. The brave wish child completed treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2019. After finishing treatment, he wished to meet the beloved character who was a source of strength during his treatment and whom he admired for his incredible speed.
When Hong Kong Disneyland caught wind of Heison’s dream, they revved into action to help grant his wish, inviting him and his family to the park. Keep in mind – Heison’s passion goes beyond McQueen – he is fascinated with various racing cars, too! So, imagine the joy on the 8-year-old’s face when he not only got to meet and roll with Lightning McQueen, but also renowned racecar driver, Jonathan Hui, at the Lightning McQueen Processional at the park. Amidst the crowd, cheers arose from 400 guests, including wish children and their families, medical superheroes from Hong Kong and Heison’s homeland of Macau and Disney VoluntEARS.
As we zoom into a wish-come-true moment like this, we are reminded of the power of a Disney wish. Wishes have the power to renew hope and uplift spirits for children facing critical illnesses and their families. When you pair that with Disney’s stories, history and unmatched experiences, wishes help deliver joy when it’s needed most. As Lightning McQueen would say… “Ka-Chow!”
For more fun stories about the amazing wish-granting efforts taking place this month, be sure to check out the Disney Make-A-Wish Topic Page on the Disney Parks Blog. To learn more about how Disney and Make-A-Wish grant magical wishes together, visit worldwish.org/disney.