Make-A-Wish CNY Set To Make Utica Girl’s Dream Come True

Fiftten-year-old Mia DeFazio of Utica just found out she's headed to Disney World with the help of the Central New York Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Mia suffers from a life-threatening gastrointestinal disorder and was referred to the local chapter earlier this year.

Mia was thrown a surprise party at BB Designs in New Hartford where she met her Wish Granting Volunteers and decided on her wish: To visit Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida with her entire family.

Mia's wish is being made possible by Tallman's tire and Auto through Make-A-Wish's Adopt-A-Wish program.

“The company’s generous support throughout the year affords them the opportunity to be a part of this very special wish experience,” said Development Director Christine Corbett. “The average cost of a wish is $12,000 and we’re on target this year to grant 90 wishes. We rely on donors like Tallman’s to make wishes come true.”

BB Designs also helped in granting Mia's wish by donating the space for her surprise announcement party along with hosting a painting party for Mia's friends and family.

“Our goal is to inspire hope, strength and joy, and for the child to feel the magic of the wish,” said Make-A-Wish Central New York President and CEO Diane Kuppermann.  “We hope Mia’s trip exceeds her expectations and brings her and her family many happy memories that last a lifetime.”

Make-A-Wish Central New York grants the special wishes of kids like Mia who face life-threatening medical conditions and are between the ages of 2½ and 18 years of age.  Since its inception in 1985, the chapter has granted more than 1,600 wishes throughout its 15-county region.

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