Anaheim, California – Harper felt so special being the center of attention at the Hebron County Fire Department. The Boone County Sheriff’s Office was also there to celebrate her big news and be part of the surprise. This aspiring firefighter was first given a tour of the station, inducted as an honorary fire captain, and showered with gifts. Then came the big announcement: Kids Wish Network was making Harper’s dream come true, sending her family to Disneyland. They’d be going at the most wonderful time of the year, with the parks lit up in holiday splendor. It was going to be an extra magical Christmas full of giggles and joy.

Kids Wish Network flew Harper’s family to California for her heartfelt getaway. The fun began even before takeoff, when Harper was invited into the cockpit to meet the pilots and take pictures. After an exciting flight, they headed straight to Disneyland.

Harper met all her adored Disney Princesses, Minnie Mouse, and even Santa. “She lit up like a Christmas tree smiling from ear to ear with Snow White,” said her dad Steve. “She was enamored with her heart.” Harper loves the movie Frozen, so meeting Elsa was another magical moment, along with taking a family photo with Santa. He even signed with Harper, connecting with her in a way that made her feel understood.

Harper is also obsessed with driving and the movie Cars, so she loved Disneyland’s Cars Land, feeling like she was transported into one of her favorite animated worlds. Driving on the Autopia race track was also a really big deal. “She always asks us how old she has to be drive, so we looked at her and told her she could drive today!” said her dad. “She was so excited.” Her family also visited LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE Aquarium, courtesy of Merlin’s Magic Wand.

Hotel Lulu made sure her holiday was filled with Christmas joy. Harper received a card and gifts from Santa in her room, all reflecting what she loves most. A Cars backpack, Frozen Anna and Elsa dolls, and a big Olaf stuffy were such a delightful surprise. Another highlight was having a view of Disneyland and its spectacular fireworks right from their room. Hotel Lulu generously provided her family’s accommodations.

Harper’s special treatment continued at California Pizza Kitchen, where she got to make her own pizza. The manager brought a variety of ingredients to her table, and Chef Harper had a blast piling on the toppings to create her ultimate pizza. They also enjoyed dinner at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. These restaurant sponsors kindly provided her family’s meals.

During the trip, they also explored some iconic sights at the top of their must-see list. The kindness, photos, and memories from the wish will always be able to bring Harper back to her happiest of holidays.

Harper was born premature, weighing just a little over a pound. It was nearly a year before she could finally go home, and she had a trach and vent to support her breathing. She has chronic lung disease of prematurity, a narrowing of the airway called subglottic stenosis, and is trach dependent. Harper has been through four reconstructive surgeries, and was able to go without a trach for 10 months before experiencing further complications.

Many Thanks

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Harper without the help of Hotel Lulu, Disneyland, Merlin’s Magic Wand, California Pizza Kitchen Anaheim Garden, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.

Wish Sponsors:

Hotel Lulu: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.05764.html?iata=00171880&ssob=BLBWI0004G&cid=BLBWI0004G:google:gmb:05764

IG: https://www.instagram.com/hotelluluanaheim/?hl=en

Disneyland: Disneyland Park Theme Park | Disneyland Resort

FB: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/#interstitialNewPageConfirmation#https://www.facebook.com/disneyland/

IG: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/#interstitialNewPageConfirmation#https://instagram.com/disneyland/

Merlin’s Magic Wand: https://www.merlinsmagicwand.org/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/MMWCharity

IG: https://www.instagram.com/merlinsmagicwandofficial/

California Pizza Kitchen Anaheim Garden: https://order.cpk.com/menu/california-pizza-kitchen-anaheim-garden-walk?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=GMB

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse https://www.bjsrestaurants.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/BJsRestaurants