I wish to meet The Three Caballeros
Raina
16
heart condition
Raina's wish to meet The Three Caballeros brings imagination to life
“She was always in and out of the hospital,” said her mom, Danesa. “Every year, it was something. And even now, she’s still in therapy, but as she’s gotten older, her immune system has gotten stronger.”
Raina communicates using a combination of American Sign Language and an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device. Her condition doesn’t have a name beyond its genetic classification, which can make the journey feel isolating.
“I always feel like we’re kind of alone in this,” Danesa shared. “There aren’t a lot of people like her. She’s so unique.”
Through it all, Raina has found comfort and joy in Disney, especially in The Three Caballeros. The 1944 film features Donald Duck, José Carioca (a Brazilian parrot) and Panchito Pistoles (a Mexican rooster) on a vibrant, musical journey through Latin American cultures. Her connection to the characters began when her dad introduced her to the movie, and their playful personalities quickly captured her heart.
When Raina was referred to Make-A-Wish Arizona, the idea of making a wish felt unfamiliar at first.
“I think she was confused about what you could even wish for,” Danesa said. “She just kept saying, ‘Disneyland. Disneyland.’ And I told her, ‘We go to Disneyland every summer. Let’s wish for something we haven’t done.”
What Raina really wanted wasn’t just a trip to Disneyland, it was time with the characters she loved most. Through her wish, Raina and her family traveled to Walt Disney World® Resort, to experience the magic of the parks in an entirely new way.
For Raina’s parents, the wish offered something just as meaningful;, it was a sense of relief from the constant stress of caregiving.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen my husband so relaxed,” Danesa said. “He’s usually really tense. But he kept saying, ‘this is awesome.’”
Then came the moment Raina had been waiting for, her chance to meet The Three Caballeros.
“They were dancing, and you could hear Michael Jackson in the background,” Danesa recalled. “They were doing the moonwalk. It was so cute.”
Seeing Raina’s joy was a highlight of the wish.
“It was one of those moments where you’re filled with joy and you’re trying not to cry,” Danesa said. “She’s loved these characters for so long, so seeing her little dream come true, it was really overwhelming.”
The impact of Raina’s wish lives on, offering her and her family memories filled with laughter and wonder.
“For us,” Danesa said, “this wasn’t just a trip. It was seeing her happiness, after everything she’s been through. And that’s something we’ll carry with us forever.”
