Disney recently launched a new video series called The Wish Effect. The series catches up with several wish kids, and digs into how the wish continues to influence their lives to this day. The first story in the series follows Tali; a 12-year-old girl who took her fight against cancer on the road creating awareness for children with similar diseases.
Tali is a 7th grader from New Mexico who loves Disney and exploring nature with her family: mom, dad and little sister, Roz. In 2018, she was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer that affects the nervous system.
When Make-A-Wish asked Tali to share her one true wish, she chose something the whole family could enjoy, that also combined all three of her passions: a Disney-themed RV camper!
“Tali loves nature, so a camper was not surprising,” said Juliana, Tali’s mom. “She’s very thoughtful, she loves her family, and we were very honored to be a part of her wish so we could all enjoy this together. It’s something we can cherish for many, many years to come.”
From a plethora of plush in the dining area, to a bunk bed inspired by Tali’s favorite film, “Lilo and Stitch,” the camper is decked out from top to bottom in Disney décor. The camper has enabled the family to spend more quality time together, and they’ve already gone on several unforgettable adventures, including to White Sands National Park and Jemez Springs.
Tali’s family has also used the RV to safely travel during the pandemic. “The RV is especially nice this year because we do travel out of state for treatment periodically, and especially in this COVID-19 environment we have a home-away-from-home we can take with us,” said Gabe, Tali’s dad.
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When the family isn’t on a road trip in their Disney-themed camper, they are hard at work helping other families dealing with cancer. The shirts Juliana and Gabe are sporting support their efforts to raise awareness for childhood cancer awareness.
“The Zia symbol is symbolic of New Mexico, and the money that we raise from the t-shirts actually goes to making care packages for newly diagnosed kids in the hospital,” said Gabe.
Nearly a year after the wish took place in December 2019, the family still feels the effect. “A wish brings lots of hope to families like ours when you can’t plan for the future,” said Juliana. “You don’t know what might happen, so it gives us hope, gives us a bright light in a time where things are uncertain.”
When asked to describe her wish experience, Tali summed it up in one word: “Magical.”
To learn more, visit wish.org/Disney and stay tuned for even more stories as part of “The Wish Effect!”
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