Davide's Wish Granted By Make-A-Wish New Jersey
February 17, 2020
Monroe Township - A local child’s wish was granted by Make-A-Wish New Jersey, whose mission is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. 16-year-old Davide’s wish to go to Hawaii and stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa was granted this past summer, thanks to the 2019 Jersey Mike’s Subs “Month of Giving” Campaign, which raised over $458,000 for Make-A-Wish New Jersey last March. Jersey Mike’s Subs and Make-A-Wish New Jersey are partnering once again this year for the 2020 March “Month of Giving”, to raise funds for more wishes for children with critical illnesses in the months ahead. The campaign kicks off March 1st.
Over the past six years, Davide, of Parlin New Jersey, has had to face many difficult times, battling a rare, critical and life-threatening illness. Undiagnosed for many years, Davide and his family have met with countless medical facilities and different doctors to best treat Davide’s illness.
“It has been a big strain on us as a family,” his father Guido shared.
“His illness is progressing, effecting his speech, his balance and even his walking,” his mother Maria added. “We’ve had to come to the realization that we will have to move eventually, for Davide.”
Despite the struggles Davide has had to endure, he is a determined, proud and happy young man.
“He is a regular teen,” Maria continued. “He loves video games, YouTubers, and he attends school full time.”
Davide also has a deep love of NFL Football – the San Francisco 49ers, to be specific.
“He’s a huge fan!” Guido commented.
When Davide’s doctor referred him to Make-A-Wish, Davide was faced with the life-changing, powerful question other wish children are asked: “If you could have one wish, what would it be?”
Davide wanted to think long and hard when choosing his wish. He had always wanted to travel to the tropical islands of Hawaii with his family but was not sure if it would ever happen. Davide and his family have been fortunate to travel to Walt Disney World when he was younger, and with his combined love of Disney and his dreams of visiting the islands of Aloha, Davide decided that his wish was to go to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii.
Davide and his entire family flew off to the tropical paradise in July 2019 for a weeklong trip away from doctors and medical treatments, and seized the opportunity to spend quality time together, making lifelong memories as a family. Davide enjoyed a character meet & greet with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and even Moana. He relaxed in the Hawaiian sun and – among other favorite memories – enjoyed the extraordinary Luau at Paradise Cove.
Davide’s family was also able to meet up with a family friend, stationed at Pearl Harbor, and receive a special tour that included Davide being named an Honorary Admiral of the U.S.S. Missouri. He was able to visit the Admiral Quarters and took a virtual tour of the U.S.S. Arizona as well.
From warm tropical weather to delicious meals, relaxing days on the Aulani Resort property and special experiences at Pearl Harbor, Davide’s family was able to recharge after years of facing unknown diagnoses and the fears and anxieties that accompany them.
“We didn’t have to worry about a thing,” Guido shared. “He was happy the entire time! Everyone went above and beyond. The trip was worry-free.”
“The entire trip was all about Davide, and that was what we wanted for him,” Maria added. “It was his wish, and we couldn’t have done this otherwise. He was in awe that it came true. He was the star of the show, and it was nice to see him smile and know that this was for him.”
Davide’s wish was granted thanks to the funds raised by local Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants as part of last year’s “Month of Giving” campaign, which granted over 40 wishes for kids like Davide. In March 2020, over 80 Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants throughout New Jersey will once again join forces with Make-A-Wish New Jersey, raising vital funds needed to aid the organization in their mission. The monthlong customer-donation campaign, which will culminate with the “Day of Giving” on Wednesday March 25th, a day when Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants donates 100% of the day’s sales, hopes to engage the local community and raise significant funds to grant wishes once again year. Since 2017, Jersey Mike’s Subs has donated over $1 Million to Make-A-Wish New Jersey.
Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted nearly 11,000 wishes since its inception in 1983. The generous support of corporations like Jersey Mike’s Subs is critical to the organization’s continued success.