How Hong Kong Disneyland Made A Drummer’s Wish Come True
Originally published at Disney Parks News
Drum roll, please!
Since the very first wish was granted over 40 years ago, Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to make more than 150,000 wishes come true for children facing critical illnesses. Last week at Hong Kong Disneyland, we had the opportunity to grant a truly unbeatable wish…. And I’m not being drum-atic! 10-year-old wish child, Jarvis, saw his wish come true as he performed drums on stage.
After Jarvis was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in 2018, the past five years were filled with many medical treatments. He was unable to attend school and regular activities during treatment. But discovered a love for music and started playing the drums. Which became a source of joy and comfort for him. We are thrilled to share that he received a bone marrow transplant and has now recovered. And his wish was to share his passion for music with others and give thanks to all those who supported him on his road to recovery.
During Make-A-Wish Hong Kong’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Party, Jarvis took to the stage and performed a 20-minute mini-concert. His story and performance inspired the crowd. Reminding us of the incredible strength and resilience of children with critical illnesses and their families.
Jarvis thanked all those who supported him during those tough times. “I especially want to thank my beloved grandmother, whose love and care have given me strength and hope,” he said. “I hope that my performance can inspire other wish children facing similar challenges to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams.”
During his performance, Jarvis sang a touching song in Chinese called “Good Health” to thank everyone for taking care of him.
The crowd went wild as guests created a sea of light with glow sticks raised high in the air. Genie from “Aladdin” also surprised Jarvis, granting him a wish and congratulating him on his performance.
As Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Ambassadors, we are grateful and honored that we could support Make-A-Wish Hong Kong to make Jarvis’ wish come true. It was one of the most touching moments that we have been part of at Disney. To see the pure joy on Jarvis and his family’s faces was like nothing else we have ever experienced.
The transformative power of a wish come true is what ignites our passion to make dreams come true for wish families. We celebrated World Wish Day on April 29 with more than 400 guests. Including wish families, medical staff, and Disney VoluntEARS, spreading happiness in the community.
We believe the power of Disney’s storytelling, characters, and immersive experiences make a unique impact on those in need around the world. Hong Kong Disneyland has been working with Make-A-Wish Hong Kong to bring Disney magic to the community since it opened in 2005, sponsoring charity programs such as the “Minnie Wishmas Ears” campaign in 2019, the “Wishmas Bracelet and Earrings Set” in 2021 and the “Wish Upon A Star” cushion blanket in 2022.
We are committed to granting many more wishes in the future as we continue to strive to make a difference for kids like Jarvis, and all who visit us at Hong Kong Disneyland. To join us and learn more about how Disney and Make-A-Wish create magical wishes together, visit wish.org/disney.
