Lupe was also there Sunday “to see them off at noon.... William was so excited with the white limo and so anxious to get inside,” as the neighbors watched.
“William’s favorite thing in Disneyland was the fireworks.” Lupe noted Maria said her son’s “eyes got teary from excitement” as he watched the polytechnic display.
When William came home he told Lupe “there was water that danced with music and had a lot of pretty colors. He enjoyed the cars in Cars Land and all the rides they were able to get on. He said there was an area just for kids, but they let his mom and dad get on the kid rides” with him.
Lupe said Make-A-Wish also provided money for William’s parents “to have a good time and buy and eat whatever they wanted,” and their first night in Anaheim the family ate at an Italian restaurant. Lupe was told, “William said ‘it’s my party and I can order anything I want’ so he did!”
William came home with mementos of his Disneyland visit: a Star Wars sword and toys, Toy Story toys, and a beach towel decorated with all the Disney characters to remind him of a trip he’ll never forget. The family, said Lupe, again expressed their appreciation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
William’s wish granting is one of four Lupe was involved in just this month. She can’t count how many others she’s been involved with over the years.
Lupe started at Make-A-Wish as an office volunteer. After about a year she underwent the background check and took the eight hours of training to become a Wish Granter.
“I had a pretty good life,” and Ed said after he retired he was looking for a way to give back. “One day in Ventura I was getting an oil change and I took a walk... I saw the door to the Make-A-Wish office and I went in. I love kids,” which helped Ed decide on the organization devoted to kids facing so many challenges.
William’s wish granting is the first completed one that Ed - a noted photographer - has been involved in, while Lupe said she has been involved in “at least 15 Wishes in just the last four years,” including children in Santa Paula and Fillmore.
Ed said, “It’s a common misconception that Make-A-Wish is only for kids” facing their final days. He encourages people to contribute to the organization that relies heavily on donated frequent flyer miles as well as cash. If all 87 wishes are granted this year as scheduled, it will set a record for the Tri-Counties chapter of providing hope, strength and joy to children.
According to a 2011 U.S. impact study, most health professionals believe a wish-come-true can have positive impacts on the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illnesses, and their parents believe these experiences help strengthen the entire family.
With a staff of only four and the help of more than 100 volunteers, the regional chapter has granted more than 1,200 special wishes to children in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. To refer a child with a wish, call 1-888-899-9474. Donations may be sent to Make-A-Wish, 4222 Market St., Suite D, Ventura CA 93003.
For more information visit the website: www.tri-counties.wish.org.
