We at Mickey Visit have actively covered Disney’s ongoing support of Make-A-Wish over the years. We recently shared how Disney is changing how they grant wishes in their theme parks. In the past year, we have attended multiple mega-wish-granting events.
Now, I am excited to share that I am running the New York Marathon to raise money for Make-A-Wish. I wanted to share more about my connection to the organization and details on the cause. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including the 2026 Disneyland Halloween foods and details on the upcoming Disneyland princess concert.
READ MORE – Disney is Changing How They Grant Wishes For Kids in Their Theme Parks
Gavin Doyle is Raising Money For Make-A-Wish While Running the New York Marathon
My name is Gavin Doyle, and I am a strong supporter of Make-A-Wish through both my work and personal life. When the idea of running the NYC Marathon came up, I chose to run on behalf of Make-A-Wish.
Make-A-Wish is a nonprofit organization that creates life-changing moments for children with critical illnesses. The wish moment often marks a turning point in their path to healing. I am proud to be one of thousands of volunteers and donors who support the cause delivering emotional hope to families by helping to turn a child’s most cherished dream into a reality.
Please join me in supporting Make-A-Wish. Click here to donate to my fundraising efforts.
I run Mickey Visit, a media company providing Disney news and vacation planning resources. Through our work, I have had the opportunity to closely cover Disney’s partnership with Make-A-Wish, attend wish events at the Disney Parks, and support the cause through fundraising.
Seeing these experiences firsthand has made a major impact on me and has brought me closer to the cause. Previously, when I published my first book on the history of Disneyland, I donated a percentage of the profits to Make-A-Wish because I wanted to directly support the organization’s mission.
Did you know that Disney and Make-A-Wish have a strong connection?
Disney helped to grant the first wish that Make-A-Wish ever received in 1981. It was a trip to Disneyland. Disney has gone on to help fulfill more than 175,000 wishes over their 45-year partnership with Make-A-Wish. Disney grants an average of one wish every hour of every day, and one out of every two wishes granted in the United States is a Disney wish.
What stands out most to me is how these wishes impact not just the child, but the entire family. During the events I have attended, I have seen siblings connect with other siblings, parents support one another, and kids find real joy and escape. I have heard stories from parents about how these experiences gave their families moments of relief, joy, and togetherness during incredibly difficult periods of their lives. I’ve learned how wishes can create long-lasting bonds between families and how the wish can mark a turning point in a child’s healing journey.
My recent experience covering the organization has reinforced how powerful these moments can be and has made me want to contribute more directly to the mission through fundraising and advocacy.
See more about how Disney is still evolving its wish granting in our recent feature article.
Join Me in Supporting Make-A-Wish
Throughout my training and the 26.2 miles of the race itself, the stories of these incredible kids will be what fuels me. Running a marathon is tough, but I am proud to take on this physical challenge to help raise funds for a cause that matters so deeply.
Thank you for your generosity in joining me to support the Make-A-Wish cause. Thank you for joining me to support Make-A-Wish by donating today. Please help me to blow past my fundraising goal! Click here to donate now.
I am now also sharing more about my personal journey building Mickey Visit on a new Instagram and TikTok account @gavindoylemedia. I will also share updates on my fundraising and training for the marathon.
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