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“I wish to be a pyrotechnician at Disneyland®.”
Cody , age 16
Orange County & the Inland Empire Chapter
   
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This wish story makes me feel:
  

When 16-year-old Cody watches a fireworks show, he experiences it on a different level. For Cody, who was diagnosed with cancer, the elaborate preparation and precise choreography of the show are where the real magic happens.

That sort of magic is a daily occurrence at Disneyland Park where Cody wanted to see the experts at work as part of his wish to be a pyrotechnician. Make-A-Wish Foundation® volunteers worked with the team at Disneyland Resort, an enthusiastic supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation since 1980, to make Cody’s wish come true.

Nearly 40 percent of the Foundation’s wishes involve visits to a Disney Theme Park, meeting Disney Characters, attending sporting events, or visiting TV and movie sets. Cody’s wish was an example of how a Disney wish can spark a wish kid’s creativity – and maybe even inspire a career.

Cody arrived at Disneyland Park and met Kevin, who is part of the team that coordinates the nightly fireworks shows that change with the seasons. Kevin talked in-depth with Cody about his career in pyrotechnics. The visit also included reserved viewing for Cody and his family at that evening’s performance of Fantasmic!, a nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Park.

The next day was devoted to giving Cody an insider’s view of the hard work, technical expertise and artistic vision that allows the pyrotechnics team to delight Disneyland visitors with Fantasmic! and other shows. His experience culminated with another viewing of Fantasmic!, this time with the pyrotechnics team, where Cody served as an honorary Disney pyrotechnician.

“The pyrotechnic team really made him feel like part of their family,” Cody’s mother, Toni, wrote to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “Thank you for all you do for families like ours who have had to endure the uncertainty and fear that go with cancer and other serious illnesses.”

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Inspired Thoughts

  • Cody, it's so awesome that you're not giving up on setting your mind on a career. I myself am 18 and getting ready to head to college to start mine. Don't ever let cancer tell you that you can't fulfill your dream of becoming a pyrotechnician or going to college to follow your dreams. You inspire me!
    - Tori 07/03/2010 22:36
  • You are a brave young man and a very handsome one at that. I wish you and your family the best of luck and i will keep you in my prayers(: -Anna
    - Anna 07/05/2010 16:46
  • Cody, my prayers are wth you and keep moving forward without giving a thought to your cancer. You will win this battle I have tremendous faith in the Lord.
    - Ivette 07/13/2010 12:35
  • This is why I am planing a benefit concert for this foundation!!! It helps all ages with the most 'outrageous' things! GO CODY! I bet it was a blast to go behind the scenes at the &quot;Happiest Place On Earth!&quot;
    - Zane 08/05/2010 16:30
  • Hey! Your story is soo sweet! I think your so brave. You are like my hero! ;) I am glad your wish came true
    - Madi 09/23/2010 12:16
  • HEY so I think that you are really brave. I also think that your really smart because of your wish. Oh and your my hero!!!!:)
    - Celeste 09/23/2010 12:12
  • Great Job Cody keep up the great work.
    - Tanner 09/23/2010 10:16
  • Dear Cody, That's kool that you want to be a pyrotechnician at Disneyland. I hope that your dream came true, keep dreaming. I hope that your battle with cancer can eventually become easier.
    - Jack, Kendra 09/23/2010 7:08
  • Boom! Crash! Bang! Those are the fireworks just for you!
    - Elyse 10/12/2010 17:07
  • way to go cody i am glad your dreams came true and hopefully it will for my lilttle boy sometime he wants to go to disney land with his brothers so we are hoping that nathans dreams come true thats my sons name he has williams syndrome
    - debra 11/07/2010 14:23
  • Hey Cody, Wow that is awesome that your dream came true. I wish I could have a wish. I am dealing with an illness, and I think you are an inspiration and that you never give up, just like myself. www.caringbridge.org/visit/champ291
    - Jenna 11/21/2010 12:52
  • hi cody i hope you get better i don't know you but i am glad you got your wish
    - toria 01/24/2011 13:27

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