Latest news with #Wish
USA Today
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
‘Is this real?' How Disney makes wishes come true for critically ill kids
Jamie Martinez didn't imagine her family on a Disney vacation in Hawaii. 'I didn't picture my daughter going to the beach again, swimming again,' the Los Angeles mom said. Her 6-year-old, Luciana, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, medulloblastoma, in January of last year. 'When something like that hits your life out of nowhere, the last thing you're thinking about is doing something like this,' Jamie said. 'We were just thinking about that specific moment and how to bring her out of that.' Each day, families with critically ill children face hardships most people can't imagine, but Make-A-Wish can. For more than 40 years, the nonprofit has been granting their kids life-changing wishes through partners like Disney. 'They were the only ones thinking about the future,' Jamie said. 'They were able to picture that for us.' Disney is Make-A-Wish's largest wish grantor, fulfilling more than 165,000 wishes since the first official wish for then 7-year-old Frank "Bopsy" Salazar at Disneyland in 1981. Most of those are park-related. Disney Experiences Chairman D'Amaro serves on Make-A-Wish America's national board of directors and his niece is a Wish alum. At a Star Wars-themed Wish event at Disneyland last year, he told USA TODAY, 'We've been thinking about how can we continue to make these experiences even more immersive, even richer, even more memorable for these Make-A-Wish kids.' This spring, Disney properties around the world did just that for scores of families like Luciana's during Disney Week of Wishes and Aulani Wish Week. The royal treatment Nearly 50 Wish families were treated to a two-day Once Upon a Wish Party at Walt Disney World in Florida. Lilly Fernandez of Chester, New York, chose Disney World 'because I wanted to see the castle and the other Disney princesses. And I got crowned princess, so now I'm not just Lilly. I'm Princess Lilly!' The 6-year-old has been battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia since March of last year. Her mom, Heydi, said Lilly takes her chemotherapy 'like a champ,' but it's been tough. 'We have some good days and some bad days." The Disney days were good ones. 'It was so magical, and I was like, 'Is this real or am I like just asleep?'' Lilly said. 'I danced, and I was playing with Pluto. And I was pretending to be a squirrel, so he was chasing me.' The kids were treated to a royal ball, a pajama party and other special surprises. 'Just seeing Lilly happy and just for that moment, it just felt like we were in a dream,' Heydi said. 'I'm sure that a lot of parents felt the same, where they saw their kids happy, being that they have gone through maybe months, maybe years of going through what they're going through with their health.' Give Kids the World: This Florida resort gives critically ill children the chance to just be kids A hard journey A post shared by Make-A-Wish Oregon (@makeawishoregon) 'This journey, honestly, in day-to-day life, it is hard,' said Linda Pham of Beaverton, Oregon. 'My son can be fine right now. The next day he can be in the ER fighting for his life.' Her 5-year-old Raiden has UBA5, which UMass Chan Medical School describes as an ultra-rare neurodegenerative disease. 'Think of cerebral palsy that can get worse over time and causes epilepsy, as well,' said Raiden's dad, Tommy. 'And his brain ... it's kind of like frozen in time. Maybe it's like a five, six-month-old.' Raiden also can't control his body and is non-speaking, but his dad says they're closer to getting gene therapy. At home, Raiden's parents take turns caring for him around-the-clock, with help from their 7-year-old, Jordyn. Linda and Tommy also juggle full-time jobs and work on the Raiden Science Foundation, which they started to raise awareness and funds for rare disease research for kids. 'We never really have a moment together as a family, so this week has been incredible,' Tommy said. They chose Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii for Raiden's wish because he loves the water, and Linda said he giggles like a baby whenever anything Disney is on TV. The Phams shared laughs and reconnected on the trip. They also connected with other Wish families. 'Having a family that understands and to be able to relate to when they're there, it just makes you part of a community, too,' Linda said. Full of hope Luciana's family knows the importance of community. 'That reminder that there's someone else looking after you, that you're not alone, that is huge,' Jamie said. Make-A-Wish gave them something to look forward to, at Aulani. "It brought us out of all that routine of going to the hospitals, going to every appointment,' Jamie said. 'Like you're able to picture again how your life was, but now with a different sense of view that's full of hope.' What she didn't imagine was that Luciana would be done with cancer treatment and in remission by the trip. 'I go to the pool and dance, said hi to Moana and Stitch,' Luciana said. 'And then I went to a luau. I went to see the sunset.' The pool was her favorite, but she called the whole experience exciting. "That filled our hearts so much,' Jamie said. Make-A-Wish America says 87% of alumni consider their wishes a turning point in their treatment and 99% of doctors say wishes help ease the family's traumatic stress. Any child being treated for a critical illness may be referred to Make-A-Wish by their parents, legal guardians, family members with detailed knowledge of their current medical condition, medical professionals, social worker or child-life specialists.
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Social media star announces own death in pre-recorded video just weeks after first child's birth
Tanner Martin and his devastated wife, Shay Wright, had recently welcomed their first child together. A social media star has passed away at the age of 30 - and shared news of his own passing in a heartbreaking pre-recorded video. Tanner Martin and his devastated wife, Shay Wright, had recently welcomed their first child together - but the family have been hit with tragedy just 41 days after little AmyLou arrived. As reported by the Mirror, Tanner has over 456,000 followers on Instagram and shared his shock news in a pre-recorded video that was shared via the platform. The influencer had bravely battled colon cancer for over five years before his death and he and his wife have been documenting his health battle online, with fans offering support on his journey. However, addressing fans in a new post, Tanner revealed that he had passed away. His video began: "Hey, it's me, Tanner. If you're watching this, I am dead," - before bursting into a fit of laughter, showing his upbeat personality that shone through his fight." He continued: "I had a heck of a life. I decided to make this video announcing my death because I saw someone did that, like, a year or so ago, and I think it's a good opportunity to get all your thoughts out." He went on to explain how his wife, Shay, would come to terms with his death just weeks after becoming a new mother. He also shared his love for life, telling fans: "But you guys, life was awesome. I really enjoyed it while I was here... Hopefully, I believe there's something after this. I'm excited to meet those people, and hopefully we're hanging out now and making fun of all you nerds." He went on to share his hope of being reunited with loved ones in the afterlife. He said: "There's just a lot of people that, for the afterlife, I'm excited to see them, and excited to see them not in pain and just happy. "I don't know. I'm like, death is scary, but it's also like a new adventure, you know," he admitted, before gushing, "I'm excited to see what the experience is like, and hopefully it's good." He concluded the video by stating that he loved his fans and thanking them for their "support and helping to make the last years of my life here on earth like fun and enjoyable and helping me be comfortable." Alongside the heartbreaking video, Tanner's wife penned, "May the force be with you from our angel force ghost [white love heart emoji] see the next video for his wish," in the caption. Another video of the late influencer showed him appealing to fans to make a donation to his Last Wish Fund on GoFundMe - with proceeds helping care for his daughter after his death. The appeal has already raised over $470,000 (£342,000).
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Daily Record
Resident called police after man seen showing off illegal stun gun in Hamilton street
John Jardine later claimed he thought the item he'd bought on a website was simply a powerful torch. A worried resident called the police after a man was seen showing off an illegal stun gun in a Hamilton street. John Jardine later claimed he thought the item he'd bought on a website was simply a powerful torch. Jardine, 58, of Fleming Way, Hamilton, admitted having a prohibited weapon in Argyle Drive on April 15 last year. Hamilton Sheriff Court heard he and another man were seen standing outside a house around 9pm. A witness heard them talking about a taser and Jardine was asked to operate it. A blue spark was seen coming from the device but it wasn't fired at anyone. Jardine then left the area in a taxi. Police officers were shown mobile phone footage of the incident and traced the accused to his home later that night. He told them the stun gun was tucked behind the sofa in his living room. It looked like a torch and had that function as well as being a taser. Jardine said he ordered the item online from the American online company Wish, thinking it was only a "strong" torch. He added: "I just take it when I'm out walking the dog." Defence solicitor Laura Kiernan told the court: "When it arrived at his home it was clear it was also a stun gun. "It's accepted that he should have done something about it at that point, like hand it in to the police." Sheriff John Speir called for background reports and an electronic tagging assessment and deferred sentence until next month. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Miami Herald
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Two New Shows Just Premiered at Walt Disney World, and They're Pure Magic
Walt Disney World in Orlando just premiered two much-anticipated stage shows at Disney's Hollywood Studios - and they're fresh, innovative and spectacular. "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" and 'Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" are both now open at the park. While vastly different productions, each is filled with Disney nostalgia and immersive special effects, including the use of dazzling lighting, state-of-the-art sound design, stunning costumes, spot-on casting and more. Our family was there for the new shows' debut on May 27, 2025. Here's everything you need to know about the performances and how to be among the first to see them. The new shows are at Disney's Hollywood Studios: a fitting spot because both are based on hit Disney movies, and Hollywood Studios celebrates the imagined worlds of cinema. "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" can be found in the park's Animation Courtyard, across from the limited-time dance party "Get Animated" and near Star Wars Launch Bay. "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" is on Sunset Boulevard, just steps from the fan favorite Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. SheBuysTravel tip: If visiting this summer, make sure to head to Animation Courtyard early to enjoy a host of dynamic "Cool Kid Summer" themed events, including ongoing character meet-and-greets, games, crafts and jump rope performances. I attended the performances with my husband and three children (ages 5, 5 and 8). Both productions are upbeat and funny, and strike a wonderful balance of appealing to both kids and adults. Since both are based on widely seen Disney classics, everyone in our family was able to follow the storylines. "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" is colorful, lively and imaginative. "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" features a few spooky moments (an onscreen dragon "breathing" fire across the stage), but the villains are presented as charming and mischievous. Both productions are fast-paced and action-filled, so there isn't really time for either to become scary. In "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure," my kids went wild when iridescent bubbles filled the theater during a rousing rendition of "Under the Sea." The puppetry is also incredible (and performed so invisibly that the show's many illusions are never broken). While "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" puts the spotlight on three villains, nearly 60 other Disney antagonists are also featured on "mirrors" that surround the stage during the show. My kids loved spotting Wish's Magnifico, Aladdin's Jafar and Beauty and the Beast's Gaston, among others. SheBuysTravel tip: If traveling with young ones, keep your eyes on the show's many "mirrors" and try to name all the other Disney villains as they appear. While neither of the two new shows offer Lighting Lane access yet, both theaters offer continuous scheduled performances and high-capacity seating for each show. Standby lines should move quickly after an initial wait, and "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" is expected to begin offering Lightning Lane access soon. Showtimes for "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" are currently running from 9:15 a.m. to 7 p.m., and showtimes for "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. SheBuysTravel tip: To bypass crowds, stay at a Disney Resort Hotel (or a select Disney partner hotel) and enjoy 30-minute early entry to all four theme parks. This will allow time to ride a few rides first, then get in line for the shows. "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" replaced the prior "Voyage of the Little Mermaid," a show housed in the same theater from 1992 to 2020. While both shows were inspired by Disney's 1989 film, the newest production is fully reimagined, creating an all-new theatrical experience. "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" is in the space formerly occupied by the Cars-themed show Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy from 2019 to 2024. The theater has been dramatically renovated, with plush seating, a wide stage and an elaborate set. The attraction is thought to kick off the future Villains Land, a new themed area coming to the Magic Kingdom. There are many terrific live shows at Walt Disney World . The newest productions join the ranks of other family-friendly theater performances at Disney's Hollywood Studios, including Disney's Beauty and the Beast – Live On Stage and For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. Two of my other favorite shows are at Disney's Animal Kingdom: the epic larger-than-live musical show Festival of the Lion King, and the puppetry-filled extravaganza Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! SheBuysTravel tip: For all the stage shows at Walt Disney World , get in line early to get the best seats. While you still may gain entry close to showtime, the closest seats are filled quickly by those first in line. Mom's Guide to Visiting Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios with Preschoolers and Small ChildrenMagic Kingdom Must-Do's: Essential Experiences for Preschoolers and Young ChildrenHow to Make the Most of Walt Disney World's EPCOT with Preschoolers and Young ChildrenInsider Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom with Preschoolers and Young ChildrenDisney World FAQs for First Time Visitors (and Veterans!) The post Two New Shows Just Premiered at Walt Disney World, and They're Pure Magic appeared first on She Buys Travel. Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Amazon launches discount store 'to rival Temu' that shoppers can't wait to try
A new discount shopping service from Amazon that offers a wide variety of goods at a retail price of £20 or less could rival the likes of Temu and Wish after it was launched in the UK Amazon has launched a brand new service budget shoppers believe could be set to rival the likes of Temu. The smartphone-only service began trading in beta-testing mode last month, and will be rolled out fully in the coming weeks. Users can browse and buy now, however, simply by heading to the Amazon website and clicking 'Haul' just below the search bar. Named 'Amazon Haul', it allows users to shop for low-priced products across a variety of categories including fashion, home, and lifestyle using the Amazon Shopping app, operating in a similar way to online retailers such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress. TikTok user Si Rudge explained that after a successful trial in the United States, it has now launched in the UK and is "here to stay". "It's a service where you can get thousands and thousands of products for under £20," he hailed in a video. "Amazon says it is £2.99 per delivery if you spend under £15, but free if spending over this amount. "How awesome is that?" "It's really going to be the future of cheap products I think," he said. Announcing the new endeavour back in May, Amazon stated: "Amazon has always worked to provide customers with the widest possible selection, low prices, and a convenient shopping experience, and we offer hundreds of millions of products across more than 30 categories in the UK. "Building on this longstanding customer offer, and following the launch of Amazon Haul in the US last year, we are today introducing Amazon Haul in the UK – offering customers thousands of products for £20 or less, with the majority under £10 and some for as little as £1." The shopping experience, search, basket and checkout have all been designed to offer a "fun, engaging way to shop" on the app, with Amazon Haul advising that all orders will arrive in two weeks or less after being placed. The company's UK Country Manager, John Boumphrey, added in a statement: "We are constantly working to provide the best possible shopping experience for customers, and this is another way to offer low prices on a wide selection of products. "Now more than ever we know our customers are looking to save, and we're excited to provide more options through the shopping app they already know and love." Amazon Haul launched in the US in November 2024, with the company immediately declaring its plans to roll out the platform "in Europe (including the UK and Germany) and the Middle East (as Amazon Bazaar in Saudi Arabia)". Temu, meanwhile, was founded in Massachusetts in 2022, stating it is "committed to bringing affordable products onto its platform to enable consumers and sellers to fulfil their dreams in an inclusive environment."
