Aurora will be Surprised by Make-A-Wish & The Learning Experience, Celebrating World Wish Day and Nationwide Multi-Million Dollar “Let’s Grant Wishes Campaign”
Blackwood, NJ— On Wednesday April 29th, also known as World Wish Day, six-year-old Aurora of Absecon, New Jersey will be surprised with a special celebration in her honor. The celebration will take place at The Learning Experience of Blackwood in front of the entire school of little learners, teachers, corporate leadership, and the staff of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, along with local and state officials, when Aurora will learn that her wish to go to have a princess tea party at Walt Disney World® is granted!
Aurora has courageously battled a life-threatening heart condition, which qualified her for a wish from Make-A-Wish. Aurora’s journey has been a long and difficult one, navigating the frightening realities of a critical illness at such a young age. When she 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?”, Aurora knew she wanted to go to Walt Disney World® and have tea with princesses in real life!
Thanks to Make-A-Wish and The Learning Experience, Aurora is about to experience the surprise of a lifetime, finding out that her wish is coming true and learning the exciting details of her wish – which is less than 2 weeks away. The celebration will include an inspiring program revealing the details of her trip, a princess tea party set-up, ice cream truck, music and more.
Of course, Bubbles the Elephant, The Learning Experience official mascot, will be there to help celebrate the news of Aurora’s wish as well.
Aurora’s wish is being granted in partnership with The Learning Experience as a celebration of the 2026 “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 $10 million nationwide since 2018, and over $2 million in New Jersey alone.
ABOUT WORLD WISH DAY:
On April 29th, 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. Over 650,000 children with critical illnesses around the world have experienced the life-changing power of a wish. On Wednesday April 29th, Aurora will join the Make-A-Wish family of over 650,000 children and families around the world that have experienced the same hope, strength and joy Chris experienced 46 years ago.
WHAT: Surprise Wish Reveal and Celebration for Aurora
WHEN: World Wish Day
Wednesday April 29, 2026
10:00am Media Arrival / 10:30 Aurora Arrives
WHERE: The Learning Experience Blackwood
606 Little Gloucester Road
Blackwood, NJ 08012
MEDIA CONTACT: Erika O’Sullivan, Make-A-Wish New Jersey
***PHOTO, VIDEO AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE***
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.
About The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience is the nation’s fastest-growing Academy of Early Education for children ages six weeks to six years old, with more than 430 centers open and a new location opening every week. With a greater national emphasis on educational development during the most crucial years of a child’s growth, The Learning Experience places a prominent focus on programs that advance scholastic preparation. The Learning Experience prepares children academically and socially via innovative scholastic and enrichment programs such as the L.E.A.P.® curriculum, a cutting-edge proprietary approach to learning. To complement the academic curriculum, The Learning Experience utilizes various enrichment programs crucial to advancing learning and overall balance, such as philanthropy, Little Musicians, Little Engineers, Little Athletes, manners and etiquette, and foreign language. For more information, visit www.thelearningexperience.com.
About Make-A-Wish® New Jersey
Make-A-Wish New Jersey creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. In the fight against a critical illness, a wish serves as a catalyst for renewed strength and encouragement for every child and family on their journey. A wish helps kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety and entire communities experience joy. Most importantly, wishes can improve a child’s quality of life. A single wish can transform lives. With their national headquarters based in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, with 58 chapters serving children in every community in the United States and its territories, and 39 international affiliates serving children on five continents. Make-A-Wish New Jersey was founded in 1983. Serving children in every municipality in the Garden State, Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted over 13,000 wishes since its inception. For more information about Make-A-Wish New Jersey, call 800-252-WISH or visit nj.wish.org and discover how you can help transform lives, one wish at a time.