Make-A-Wish^® New Jersey

On Monday, April 29th, known as World Wish Day, eight-year-old Joseph of Morganville will be surprised with a special celebration in his honor. The celebration will take place at The Learning Experience of Old Bridge, in front of the entire school of little learners, teachers, corporate leadership, and the staff of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, along with special members of the Old Bridge Police Department, when Joseph will learn that his wish to go to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios in California is about to come true.

Joseph has courageously battled a life-threatening heart condition, which qualified him for a wish from Make-A-Wish. Joseph’s journey has been a long and difficult one, navigating the frightening realities of a critical illness at such a young age, ever since he nearly lost his life in 2018 when he went into cardiac arrest. When he was asked that magical question that brings the mission of Make-A-Wish to life, “if you could have one wish, what would it be?”, Joseph knew he wanted to travel to sunny California with his mother, father and twin brother Julian, to explore Super Nintendo World and celebrate their ninth birthday together.
Thanks to Make-A-Wish and The Learning Experience, Joseph is about to experience the surprise of a lifetime, find out that his wish is coming true and learn the exciting details of his wish – which is just a few weeks away. The celebration will include an inspiring program revealing the details of his trip, a pinata with Super Mario Brother characters, a gaming truck with some of his favorite video games, a pizza truck, music and more. Of course, Bubbles the Elephant, The Learning Experience official mascot, will be there to help celebrate the news of Joseph’s wish as well.

Joseph’s wish is being granted in partnership with The Learning Experience as a celebration of the 2024 “Let’s Grant Wishes” Campaign, benefiting Make-A-Wish. For the month of April, The Learning Experience centers across the entire country have fundraised for Make-A-Wish to help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign has cumulatively raised more than $6 million nationwide since 2018, and over $1.6 million in New Jersey alone.
In addition to a crowd of cheering students and team members from both Make-A-Wish and the Learning Experience, the Old Bridge police officers who responded to the emergency call that saved Joseph’s life in 2018 will also be in attendance – as a complete surprise to Joseph and his entire family.

Joseph’s surprise celebration will take place at The Learning Experience of Old Bridge at 11:00am on Monday, April 29th – World Wish Day – the global anniversary of the founding of Make-A-Wish. On that day in 1980 in Phoenix Arizona, seven-year-old Chris Greicius, who was battling leukemia, experienced life-changing joy when he spent the entire day as a police officer. His favorite TV show was CHIPS, so a police officer was of course what Chris aspired to be. When members of law-enforcement learned of Chris, his courageous battle with cancer, and his desire to join the men and women in uniform, a special day was put together for him. Six people answered the call, rallied the entire community, and lifted Chris up during his darkest days. These original WishMakers – U.S. Customs Agents, members of the Department of Public Safety, and even Chris’ own mother Linda - were inspired by the impact they had on Chris.

They vowed to do more. It was decided that they would create an unparalleled type of charity, and a global movement was born. Today, over 585,000 children with critical illnesses around the world have experienced the life-changing power of a wish. On Monday April 29th, World Wish Day, Joseph will join the Make-A-Wish family of over 585,000 children and families around the world that have experienced the same hope, strength and joy Chris experienced 44 years ago.

WHAT: Surprise Reveal and Sendoff Party for Joseph’s Wish to go to Super Nintendo World in California
WHERE: The Learning Experience of Old Bridge 280 Texas Road Old Bridge, NJ 08857
WHEN: Monday, April 29, 2024 10:30am Media Arrival / 11:00am Joseph Arrival

MORE: The Learning Experience “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign allows The Learning Experience little learners to put the important life values they’ve learned all year into action, raising vital funds for Make-A-Wish and educating future philanthropists that it doesn’t matter how big or small you are, it’s the size of your heart that matters.