I wish to meet the cast of Grey's Anatomy
Giulia
14
brain tumor
A Screen Full of Smiles: Giulia's Wish to Meet the Grey's Anatomy Cast
As a cancer patient, Giulia, now 14, finds comfort and familiarity in many of the characters and their stories. While her treatment plan keeps her in Massachusetts, the medical drama show also helps her feel connected to extended family members in Brazil who watch it. Giulia’s wish to meet the Grey’s Anatomy cast brings her viewing experience to an entirely new level: Her beloved characters turn their attention directly to her on-screen through a VIP video call!
Anticipation for her wish grows when Giulia receives a special delivery to her doorstep: a collection of Grey’s Anatomy-themed party decorations – and even a themed comforter for her bed and a meal from her favorite local restaurant – selected for her by her Make-A-Wish volunteers and staff team. Giulia creates a special poster to hang behind her and thinks through questions to ask the cast. Before her call, she receives a special video message from Giacomo Gianniotti, who plays Andrew DeLuca, sending her his love and best wishes.
Giulia sits eagerly with her sister by her side. When she enters the call and sees the screen full of Grey’s Anatomy cast members, assembled live just for her, she brings her hands to her face with joy and awe!
The cast welcomes her warmly as she settles into the thrill of the moment. She laughs as they chat with her about their favorite episodes, which character each actor would play besides their own, and their favorite hobbies.
More cast members join, each a surprise to Giulia. The group’s excitement and sincerity in speaking with Giulia is remarkable. As one member says, it feels like Giulia is “a guest on the show.” The call ends with a group high-five and happy tears as Giulia says, “I love you guys!” and the cast gushes, “We love you, too!”
Giulia’s wish continues with a video call with Camilla Luddington, who plays Jo Wilson. Giulia is overjoyed to learn more about Camilla and after talking sports, Camilla is convinced Giulia could beat her in a volleyball match.
Embracing the genuine love she feels through her wish, shy Giulia carries herself with greater confidence to push through the sadness she sometimes feels because of her cancer. She cherishes the special recordings of her video calls with the 11 cast members and telling stories from them. “Her eyes shine when she talks about her wish,” says her mom, Christina. Giulia proudly cares for the one-of-a-kind memorabilia gifted to her by the cast and production team.
Now, when she watches Grey’s Anatomy, Giulia knows the cast is truly part of her support team, which helps her face her cancer treatments with renewed determination and resiliency.