How many children can say they’ve thrown a football with Mickey Mouse? Disney and the Make-A-Wish Foundation recently made that dream come true for 4-year-old Kaden.

“When Mickey came out in his football gear, I have never seen Kaden’s eyes light up more in my entire life. It was a day we will never forget,” said Amy, Kaden’s mom.

With nearly 7,000 wishes granted every year, Walt Disney World Resort works with organizations around the world to help create special memories for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

According to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Disney-themed wish is the most popular request they receive. Children embrace their imagination and creativity with many of these requests. Recent wishes that have been granted include dancing with Cinderella, playing in the band on Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom and being an Imagineer for a Day.

Disney has a long-standing history of compassionate support of children that can be traced back to Walt Disney himself, who frequently visited children in hospitals. Walt Disney World VoluntEARS carry on this tradition today. Last year, they gave more than 15,000 hours of service to support wish-granting organizations.

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Chip (6719 Posts)

Chip is owner of and webmaster of Chip and Co - Your source for Disney Park News, Planning Tips, Giveaways, and More. When he is not writing about Disney News, or Planning Tips, you will find him counting down the days to his next Disney World Vacation. Watch for him at the 2013 D23 Expo or over on the Chip and Co Facebook Page.