Toms River Girl's Cruise Wish Filled By Jersey Mike's Donations

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River girl who has been fighting cancer since she was a year old has had a wish to go on a Disney cruise granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, thanks to the donations of customers of the Jersey Mike's sub shops in the Toms River area.

The sandwich chain raises funds for Make-A-Wish New Jersey during its annual "Month of Giving" campaign; this year's campaign begins March 1.

Last year, Jersey Mike’s Subs donated $263,000 to Make-A-Wish New Jersey, which funded the wishes of more than 25 local children with critical illnesses, according to Make-A-Wish New Jersey.

Among the recipients in 2017 was 4-year-old Faith Calvo, her mother, Lindsey, confirmed Friday afternoon. In early 2015, Faith was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when doctors found a lump in her abdomen at her 1-year-old checkup.

Since then, Faith has undergone a stem cell transplant and continues with checkups to make sure the cancer has not returned and to monitor medications. Last summer, Faith was finally well enough to take the Disney cruise, Lindsey told Make-A-Wish officials.

“We chose the Disney Cruise as Faith's wish because of her love for Disney," Lindsey said. "The princesses are more than just characters to her. They all got her through all the hospital visits and kept her smiling the whole time."

"We went on the trip after her treatments were done," she said. "All of us needed a vacation that was slow-paced and relaxing, away from the hustle and bustle of running around in the parks. The entire trip was exceptional. Faith got to meet her favorite princesses, and each day when we came back to the room, there was a new surprise left for us."

Make-A-Wish officials said her wish was granted thanks to the funds raised during the 2017 campaign, specifically with the support of the Silverton, Lavallette, Bayville and Toms River Jersey Mike’s Subs locations, Make-A-Wish officials said.

"Faith, who has courageously battled a critical illness, wanted to meet the Disney princesses," Make-A-Wish officials said. "The anticipation of her trip, and the memories she created with her family during her wish experience gave her the chance to heal and begin a new chapter in her life."

"It is a trip we will never forget," Lindsey said.

The 2018 "Month of Giving" campaign at Jersey Mike's culminates with its annual “Day of Giving,” when the 60 New Jersey Jersey Mike’s restaurants will donate 100 percent of the day’s sales to Make-A-Wish New Jersey.

Now celebrating its 35th Anniversary, Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted over 9,500 wishes since its inception in 1983, including 530 wishes in 2017.

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

Photos provided by Make-A-Wish New Jersey show Faith on her Disney cruise with family, and Rich Hope, Jersey Mike's Subs CMO, Chris Rigassio, Franchise Owner & Tom Weatherall, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish New Jersey