Make-A-Wish Sending Old Union Family to Disney Hawaii

From Charlie the Dragon to Lilo and Stitch.

The Make-A-Wish foundation and Charlie the Dragon made a surprise announcement at Old Union Elementary on Friday, April 11. A Carroll student and his family are headed to Disney in Hawaii. 

"We couldn't be happier to make this announcement today for Cooper and his family," said Alex Salvatici, a Make-A-Wish North Texas volunteer. Cooper, a pre-kindergarten student at Old Union, had no idea his name had been submitted for consideration. The Make-A-Wish Foundation will send Cooper, his parents and his little brother Cal to the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Make a Wish is a 501C3 nonprofit organization that helps fulfill the wishes of seriously ill children. 

Cooper has tuberous sclerosis complex, a genetic disorder that often leads to non-cancerous tumors, seizures and developmental delays. His mother Amber works at another CISD campus and shuttles Cooper to therapy appointments daily. "This will be such a blessing for our family," she said. "To spend a week relaxing in Hawaii without the hustle." 

After the big announcement, Cooper's teachers treated him, his family and classmates to a surprise party in his classroom. The theme was all Hawaiian, with tropical music, balloons, doughnuts and Stitch plushies. The Disney film 'Lilo and Stitch' is Cooper's favorite. At the resort, he will get to meet Stitch in person. 

"We've been planning this for weeks," said Old Union Principal Jon Fike. "Everyone here loves Cooper and we're delighted to see him get this special attention."

Fike began the day by announcing a campus-wide fire drill, which is common for Carroll campuses. This time, however, when the entire student body and faculty were gathered on the outdoor playground, Charlie the Dragon and Gracie the school's Golden Retriever mascot ushered the Make-A-Wish team onto the playground. When the announcement was made, the student body cheered for Cooper. 

Cooper and his family will make the trip to Hawaii in September.