Leonel was born with half a heart, positioned on the opposite side of his chest. His heart had only one functional pumping chamber.  

“He has fought all his life, even before he was born,” says Leonel’s father, Alexis. “He’s been my biggest inspiration ever since.”  

His condition, single ventricle syndrome, left him fatigued and with low oxygen levels. Simple activities like walking or playing required herculean effort and left him exhausted. 

By the time he was three years old, Leonel had already endured three open-heart surgeries. After the surgeries, Leonel's energy improved significantly, allowing him to be more active and social. He could play with other children for longer periods. 

“He knows what he’s been through,” says his mom, Selene. “He’s always proud of his scar. He shows it off and says it makes him feel like a superhero. He always says he has superpowers like Spider-Man”

While recovering from his surgeries, Leonel watched television and YouTube. He saw commercials for Disneyland featuring his favorite superhero—Spider-Man. Leonel loves Spider-Man because of his unique powers and feels a strong connection to him. 

“He wasn’t talking a lot at the time,” Selene says, “but he’d always see these commercials and say, ‘Me want to go there!’” 

After hearing about Make-A-Wish from their social worker, Selene and Alexis knew this was Leonel’s chance to “go there.” When Leonel’s volunteer wish granters, Denise Larkin and Susane Egger, talked to Leonel about his wish, it was clearly unanimous—he wanted to go to Disneyland and hang out with his hero, Spider-Man.

When it was time for the big trip, Leonel, his parents, and older sister Miranda were greeted at the airport by volunteers Mabel Abellera and Sandi Luce, who helped them navigate to their gate and provided Spanish-English translation. 

As Leonel boarded the plane, the Southwest airline crew members played Leonel’s favorite song, ‘Beautiful Thing’ by Benson Boone, over the plane speakers. It was the perfect theme for his grand entrance! 

“Leonel was so shy, but you can tell he was just taking it all in, standing there,” Selene recalls. “We could tell he loved it. They made it very special for him, for all of us. I couldn't stop crying.”

The superhero treatment didn’t end there. Leonel met the pilot, and just before takeoff, the crew made an announcement to all the passengers on the plane.  

“They said Leonel was a wish kid and even mentioned my daughter, which made her feel special,” Selene says. “As we left, we looked out the window and saw all the workers waving goodbye. Leonel was very excited. He knew it was for him.” 

Leonel and his family spent several days exploring Disneyland, hopping on rides, and meeting beloved characters, including one of his favorite classic Disney characters, Donald Duck!  

"Leonel loves Donald Duck, so that was the first thing he saw getting there," says Selene. "That was one of his highlights.” 

And then it was time for a meeting between two superheroes—Leonel and Spider-Man.  

“Spider-Man made time just for him,” Selene says. “We had a private meeting with him, that was Leonel’s favorite thing. He made it so special just for Leonel.” 

The Disney cast members continued to go above and beyond, arranging a private meet-and-greet for Leonel with Cruz Ramirez from Cars. “It was just us, the cars, and the cast members,” says Selene. “All of the cast members were so nice to Leonel, everybody was, and to my daughter too. Everybody treated us so special.”  

According to Selene, the whole family loved everything about the wish trip. “Leonel kept saying, ‘This is the best day ever!’” she says. “We’re so grateful to everyone who made this possible—it means so much after everything they’ve been through.” 

Despite the difficulties of Leonel’s medical journey, his family looks on the bright side. “Leonel has made a big impact on our lives, and he is our spark of hope and love,” says Alexis. We’re incredibly grateful to have shared this experience with Make-A-Wish, and we thank everyone for making our little man’s wish come true.”