At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, magic and dreams collided in an unforgettable event that celebrated the indomitable spirit of an eight-year-old cancer survivor, Heison Leong. Teaming up with Make-A-Wish Hong Kong for World Wish Day, the theme park organized a spectacular Cars-themed parade that saw our young hero, who has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia since the tender age of two, meet his idol: Lightning McQueen.
Dressed in a vivid red Team McQueen racing suit, Heison was welcomed with waves of checkered flags as he paraded through Tomorrowland with none other than Lightning McQueen and celebrated Hong Kong racing driver Jonathan Hui by his side. “My favorite thing about Lightning McQueen is how he lost in a race at the beginning [of the movie], but he doesn’t give up and slowly wins,” Heison shared during a heartwarming ceremony post-parade. Filled with newfound courage, he held his beloved Lightning McQueen toy car, a steadfast companion through his challenging treatments.
For Make-A-Wish Hong Kong, such magical moments are a testament to the boundless hope and happiness wishes can bring to children with critical illnesses and their families. Karlson Wong, a board director for the charity, emphasized the transformative power of a wish, providing strength and joy not just to the children but to their loved ones too. Heison’s father, Leo Leong, recalled the emotional journey and expressed his gratitude for the event that brought immense joy and inspiration to their family.
The event didn’t just bring Heison face to face with his animated hero. Hui, acting as a real-life racing inspiration, shared his journey of perseverance and patience with the young aspirant. The racing driver’s advice and warm words culminated in him presenting one of his race medals to Heison, a symbolic gesture of solidarity and encouragement. The day reached its exhilarating peak as Hui took Heison for a thrilling ride in a Ferrari 296, bringing the boy’s video game racing dreams to life.
Michael Moriarty, managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, summed up the spirit of the day with a quote from Lightning McQueen, urging everyone to chase their dreams “faster than fast, quicker than quick.” It was an event that showcased Disney’s longstanding commitment to making wishes come true, riding on the collaborative magic between The Walt Disney Company and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
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[Original Source: South China Morning Post]
