“Mickey interacted with him in such a special way,” says Max’s mother, Jessica. “It was very emotional for our whole family that was watching.”
Max’s wish also gave him an opportunity to simply enjoy carefree childhood moments.
“Max has had many hospital admissions, procedures, MRIs, x-rays, and doctor appointments through the years since he was 9 months old,” says Jessica. “We missed the moments of him being a toddler and loving Mickey Mouse. I think it caught us all a little off guard when he wished for a hug from Mickey. But it brought to light how much he just wanted to be a kid. This trip allowed him to get back a piece of what his illness has taken away. To hug Mickey, to scream on rides, and make it his mission to meet every character possible. This trip gave him back time we’d all lost in the last 6 years. We made memories that will last a lifetime, that will get us through the hard treatments to come.”
And of course, Make-A-Wish gave Max not one, but several of his very own bags of Doritos to enjoy while traveling on his trip!