The Need for Speed: Christian’s Roller Coaster Wish

8-year-old Christian made the most of his wish, fitting in as many rides as he could at Disney World and Universal.  

Christian’s Truest Wish 

Christian is a sweet, thoughtful, and high-energy 8-year-old who loves baseball, spending time with his family and riding his bike. When Christian learned about Make-A-Wish at a doctor’s appointment, he knew his dream was “going on roller coasters and passing out because of how fast they are” at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.  

Christian and his three siblings made the most of their time in the parks, trying out nearly every ride. Christian’s dad Daniel says that “it was an amazing experience for Christian, and for all his siblings to experience that with him, too.”   

Seeing the Light in Every Moment 

Born with a heart condition, Christian is a champion. He had his first surgery as a newborn, when his older siblings were only 3 and 1. “Going back and forth from the hospital in Charlotte, staying there 17 days, it really took a toll on us,” says Daniel. But Christian and his family are inspiring in their resilience and determination to see the light in every moment. “I’m grateful that Christian is now a healthy kid. . . he gave his siblings, and himself, this opportunity. Seeing the smiles on their faces made it all worthwhile,” says Daniel.  

The Wish Community 

At Give Kids the World Village, where Christian and his family stayed, wish kids get to put a star with their name on the wall. Christian is already looking forward to going back one day and finding his name on the wall. Daniel says, “seeing that hit a soft spot for me, being able to see all the names… there were families from all over the world in different situations that chose to come here.”  

Just in Central and Western North Carolina, nearly 400 kids are granted wishes every year. Last fiscal year, 31 kids with a congenital heart disease like Christian saw their most heartfelt wish become reality. Wishes transform the lives of kids and their families, giving them hope to battle their conditions and confidence in their own strength. Daniel expressed gratitude to everyone who made Christian’s wish happen: donors, staff, and volunteers: “a thank you isn’t enough.”