Freehold Youngster's Wish Granted By Make-A-Wish New Jersey

A local child’s wish was recently granted by Make-A-Wish® New Jersey, whose mission is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Three-year-old Gavin’s wish to meet Captain Hook at the Walt Disney World® Resort was granted this summer, thanks to the 2019 Jersey Mike’s Subs “Month of Giving” Campaign, which raised over $458,000 for Make-A-Wish New Jersey in March.

Gavin was diagnosed with a critical, life-threatening illness at a very young age. Now three years old, Gavin has already been through 18 months of terrifying diagnoses, medical treatments, and never-ending fear and anxiety filled with unknowns for his entire family. Gavin and his family experienced one blow after another, from learning of Gavin’s genetic condition, to unexpected and immediate chemotherapy when there became a fear that Gavin would lose his vision in a matter of weeks, to allergic reactions and side effects from treatments, to countless sleepless nights for both Gavin and his parents.

But Gavin faced his medical condition with courage, a positive attitude, and a smile. Gavin’s natural energy and optimistic spirit are qualities that his family are deeply proud of and remained focused on during their most difficult times. Alongside his loving parents Tammy and Jeffrey and his dedicated older brother Brandon, Gavin took each day at a time.

During an eye exam, Gavin needed to wear an eye patch throughout the testing. In order to help him through the examination, Gavin pretended to be a pirate with the patch over one eye, and so began a newfound love of pirates! Gavin was instantly interested in everything about pirates, and quickly turned into an avid fan of the movie Peter Pan. It became a dream of Gavin’s to meet the famous pirates of Neverland – and so when Gavin was told that he would be granted a wish, he chose to travel to Walt Disney World and pay a visit to Captain Hook himself.

While in the theme parks, Gavin, his brother Brandon and their parents made countless memories to last a lifetime. From enjoying the many thrill rides including the Slinky Dog Dash Roller Coaster and even the exhilarating Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, to meeting countless classic Disney characters throughout the parks, every day was filled with excitement, laughter, and smiles.

“They aren’t scared of anything!” Gavin’s mother Tammy proudly shared.

But the highlight of the trip was certainly when Gavin met Captain Hook. He even had the chance to sword fight with the swashbuckling villain – and of course, Gavin was the winner! They also enjoyed the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage – a pirate-themed boat tour with Captain Hook, Smee and others on the Seven Seas Lagoon that included a beautiful view of the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom, and concluded with a special surprise visit from Peter Pan.

Gavin’s family also created cherished memories while staying at a special resort, Give Kids The World, an 84-acre, nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides week-long vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families. The Village provides fully-furnished villas, meals, pools, carousel rides, character visits, ice cream all day, and other celebrations and surprises every day.

“The kids enjoyed Give Kids The World as much as Walt Disney World,” Tammy continued. “It was a safe, magical place. The ‘outside world’ just wasn’t there.”

Gavin’s brother Brandon, who loved meeting characters during their family trip, also reminisced on one of his favorite “meet and greets” while at Give Kids the World – Goofy.

“He was…goofy!” Brandon shared.

Gavin’s trip to Florida with his family was a welcomed respite from the long journey they had endured together over the past few years. They were able to celebrate Gavin, their courageous pirate, and watch him enjoy simply being a young, energetic and full-of-life three-year-old. The trip also helped their entire family leave the difficult past behind and begin a new chapter in their lives.

Gavin’s wish was granted thanks to the funds raised by local Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants as part of this year’s “Month of Giving” campaign. In March, 67 Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants throughout New Jersey joined forces with Make-A-Wish New Jersey, raising vital funds needed to aid the organization in their mission. The month-long campaign, which culminated with the “Day of Giving”, a day when Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants donated 100% of the day’s sales, raised enough funds to grant nearly 50 wishes to kids like Gavin.

Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted nearly 11,000 wishes since its inception in 1983. The generous support of corporations like Jersey Mike’s Subs is critical to the organization’s continued success.

For more information about Make-A-Wish New Jersey, visit nj.wish.org.