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Callum Lemanski, a true "Star Wars" fan, was gifted a six-day, five-night stay at Disney World for himself and his family in the assembly-turned-presentation on Friday, Feb. 10 at Stoneham Central Middle School, according to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Lemanski was born with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, a critical illness in the connective tissue that causes changes to the heart, blood vessels, bones, joints, skin, and internal organs. The sixth-grader's mother referred him to the organization and she and Lemanski's father requested that the child's middle school be included in the announcement of his trip.
“Being able to have really special things to look forward to makes kids feel special in a good way,” Lemanski's father Mike Lemanski said. “Sometimes they feel special in not such a good way.”
The school assembly was presented as a regular occurrence, but once the school gathered the "Star Wars" theme music began to play and “Star Wars” characters from costuming groups the 501st New England Garrison and Rebel Legion emerged, along with a droid from the New England Droid Builders.
Make-A-Wish volunteers Teresa Raimondi of Reading and Kate Buckley of Billerica announced that they had a wish to grant for Callum and his classmates stomped their feet and yelled his name.
“I was just amazed,” Callum said. “I had no clue.”
“It was a privilege to join with Stoneham Central Middle School and the 501st Legion to celebrate Callum and his family, and we thank everyone who was involved in creating the memorable experience,” said Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island CEO Sean Holleran. “Callum’s wish reveal is a remarkable example of the power of a wish to unite and uplift individuals and entire communities through joy and hope.”
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