Having the opportunity to Make-A-Wish was a big honor for me. When my mom first found out I had been referred through my child life specialist at NYU, she told me her heart skipped a beat. Like most people, we assumed a Make-A-Wish was granted only for terminally ill children. I am happy to tell you that this is a misconception. The organization grants wishes for children diagnosed with a critical illness that places their life in jeopardy at the time of the referral.
A few months after my diagnosis, the Make-A-Wish team contacted us to let us know I would be receiving a wish. This was when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, and everyone was still figuring out how to be safe in a dangerous world. All trips and in person meetings were impossible, especially given my weakened immune system, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t have a meaningful and memorable wish. I knew I wanted to have an experience, something that would really impact my life past my battle with cancer and maybe the lives of others living with cancer too.
Prior to being diagnosed, I had no idea of the devastation childhood cancer (or any cancer) caused. That all changed very quickly after I began treatment, and I wanted to use my wish to help others with their own struggle towards recovery. After considering options with my parents for over 3 months, I was finally ready to present my Make-A-Wish team with my rather unconventional wish. I asked for the opportunity to meet with Disney Executives to raise awareness about JZips and learn from leaders in roles that I admired.
Disney movies, theme parks, costumes, and toys were always a huge part of my childhood. Experiences at Disney have always produced family memories I look back on often, and I wanted to learn what Disney does to make their brand so special straight from the leaders working tirelessly to keep the brand so widely beloved. When my family and I went to Disney it was more than just the rides and characters, it was an opportunity for both my parents to educate my brothers and I on what makes Disney “the most magical place on earth”. When I reflect upon these conversations, they never distracted from the fun, but added an appreciation for the cast members who made my experiences (and billions of others) priceless.
I wanted to use my wish to understand the process of how telling a story — whether that’s through a movie or a theme park or even a t-shirt or storefront — can evoke so much emotion in an individual. The majority of JZips we’ve received as donations have always been Disney characters. I’ve always felt a deep connection with a Disney character myself: Iron Man. Even as a teenager. The association only became stronger when I had my port implanted in my chest – just like Iron Man’s Arc Reactor (it felt pretty badass!).
Through the effort of both the Make-A-Wish and Disney teams, my wish was granted. While I’m not at liberty to say all that was discussed, I can say that Disney provided me with an extremely inspiring and motivating experience. I had the opportunity to connect with eight incredible Disney senior executives, spending several days with multiple teams asking questions, sharing stories and learning about their product development. They also had questions for me about JZips and how it came to be. It was casual, comfortable, and very educational. My nervousness fell away quickly as we laughed, cried, and found inspiration in each other over our sessions. I hope to use the experience and insights I gained to enrich my own work and pay it forward to clients, friends, and eventually mentees of my own.
They shared how an idea from someone’s imagination can become real (after about a 100-step process, of course!). They took me through the process from a faint concept all the way to the finished product.
As I began college, choosing a degree was a little daunting as I considered what I wanted my own future to be. I asked each of the Disney executives how their degree was associated with their position at Disney. They explained how their college degrees helped pave the way, but that majors did not truly define their career path. As times changed, they all learned to adapt to the position at hand and the tasks necessary. They told me stories of running a global organization in the middle of a world crisis when what you learn in textbooks doesn’t exactly cut it.
Each individual executive gave me unique advice for my career ahead, but my wish didn’t end after the meetings had concluded. While in the meetings, the team at Disney had an animator create a character drawing of me in the “Disney universe” which I will cherish. The team also allowed us the opportunity to register for a generous Disney grant. This money will be used for an idea my mom and I came up with from the sessions, our “Design your own JZips” concept where a child will be given a white JZip, tote bag and fabric markers to decorate with their parent/child life specialist to make something completely unique to them. It’s perfect for the holidays.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet Disney’s executives and see the inner workings of such an amazing company. It was incredible hearing stories from people who have put in their time there, watching them bring back memories and share their passion for what they do with me. Disney is truly magical, and everyone has something different to offer. I’d also like to extend my thanks one more time to Make-A-Wish. I will remember this forever.
