NEWTON, MASS. (WHDH) - A 12-year-old boy in Newton received a surprise like no other over the weekend when a number of Star Wars figures paid him a visit.
Eytani Ganot and his family received a visit from costumed members of the New England Garrison of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costuming fan club that came together to celebrate a Star Wars-inspired surprise and gift, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
“Our son seems to be pretty happy – there’s some crazy Mandalorians and baby Yodas everywhere so it’s great,” said Ilan Ganot, Eytani’s father.
Eytani, a Star Wars fan, was diagnosed with a rare muscle disorder known as Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2012 and has said that quotes from his favorite sci-fi saga have kept him strong.
Now, courtesy of Make-a-Wish, he and his family are bound for Disney World for a special trip to the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort, thanks to Eytani’s wish.
The trip, which will include Eytani’s parents and two sisters, is slated for later in December, but for his family, seeing his reaction was a gift in and of itself.
“We’re obviously so looking forward to the trip, but I think just seeing Eytani and seeing his surprise when he pulled up and (went) ‘what is everybody doing here?’ and I’m like ‘this is all for you, you’re getting your wish night’ and he was so excited,” said Eytani’s mother, Annie Ganot. “For him, it is truly a dream come true.”
Since its founding, Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island said it has helped grant wishes for over 9,000 kids over the last four decades. The organization will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2023.
“It’s an entire community that puts its arms around the child and their family and makes sure that they have light and hope injected into a time when there’s uncertainty and darkness,” said Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island CEO Sean Holleran. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
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