Chicago Make-A-Wish: 7-year-old Bridgeport girl Ryan Spizzirri invited to Disney's Once Upon A Wish Party at Walt Disney World
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — It was the surprise of a lifetime for a little Chicago girl dreaming of going to Disney World.

On Sunday, 7-year-old Ryan Spizzirri from Bridgeport received a special invitation to Disney’s Once Upon A Wish Party at Walt Disney World.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The magical experience includes getting up close in person to their favorite characters. Ryan told ABC7 Chicago who she’s excited to meet.

“Rapunzel,” Spizzirri said. “She wears a purple dress, and she has long hair.”

It is a well-deserved break as Spizzirri has been facing health challenges. She has been battling a congenital condition that puts her at risk of severe infection.

The experience gives the kids the strength they need to face whatever treatments and bad news they are getting… It really improves their quality of life while everything else is out of their control.

Jessica Miller, Senior Communications Manager for Make-A-Wish Illinois

“Ryan was born prematurely with duodenal atresia and ended up losing 90% of her small intestine, so she has 10% left and requires overnight IV feeding, and a permanent IV like she has,” said Leanne Scanlon, Spizzirri’s mother. “She deserves joy. Things have been really tough for her.”

Her mother said it was her doctor who nominated her for Make-A-Wish.

With her friends by her side, they celebrated her wish coming true at the Lincoln Hotel.

The girls were pampered like princesses by Pretty in Pink Mobile Spa during a send-off party. They received facials and bedazzled pairs of flipflops.

‘With what she’s been through, seeing her glow and watching her with her friends and having a good time is what it’s all about,” said Timothy Spizzirri, Ryan Spizzirri’s father

Spizzirri will be one of approximately 50 Wish children who will have their wishes granted this month.

It’s a little Disney magic that goes a long way.

“We have found over our more than 40 years of doing this, the experience gives the kids the strength they need to face whatever treatments and bad news they are getting,” said Jessica Miller, Senior Communications Manager for Make-A-Wish Illinois. “It really improves their quality of life while everything else is out of their control.”

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ABC7 Chicago.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Man, 47, found dead on Randalls Island with severe head trauma

Tragic Discovery: Authorities Investigate Mysterious Death of 47-Year-Old Man on Randalls Island

On Friday morning, authorities discovered the body of a 47-year-old man, lifeless…
Protesters attack police, breach barrier at Mexico's National Palace during rally against cartel violence

Chaos Erupts at Mexico’s National Palace: Protesters Clash with Police in Anti-Cartel Violence Rally

On Saturday, Mexico City became the epicenter of a massive protest as…
Turning Point USA chapter denied official status by Loyola University New Orleans student government

Loyola New Orleans Law Students and Turning Point Members Challenge Controversial Chapter Denial in Landmark Appeal

Supporters of Turning Point USA at Loyola University New Orleans College of…
Fitness influencer dies in suspicious fall from Rio de Janeiro apartment building

Tragic Mystery: Fitness Influencer’s Fatal Fall Sparks Investigation in Rio

In a tragic incident, a popular Brazilian bodybuilder who had amassed over…
State Department warns Americans in Japan as deadly bear attacks kill 13 people since April: 'Be diligent'

U.S. State Department Issues Urgent Alert for Americans in Japan Amid Surge of Fatal Bear Attacks

The U.S. State Department has issued a cautionary notice to American citizens…
Former Zelenskyy associate accused in $100 million embezzlement scheme

Ex-Zelenskyy Ally Charged in Massive $100 Million Embezzlement Plot

A former associate of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing serious allegations…
Tennessee officer working Vance's motorcade in critical condition after crash with state trooper

Tennessee Officer in Critical Condition Following Collision with State Trooper During Vance’s Motorcade Escort

A police officer in Tennessee is fighting for his life following a…
200 federalized Texas National Guardsmen leaving Chicago area after deployments halted due to legal challenges, US officials say

Texas National Guardsmen Withdraw from Chicago Amid Legal Hurdles: Federal Deployment Halt Sparks Controversy

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — The 200 Texas National Guardsmen who were stationed…
Michigan adopts sex education standards recommending students be taught gender identity, sexual orientation

Michigan Updates Sex Ed Guidelines to Include Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

The Michigan State Board of Education has officially endorsed updated sex education…
US seeks UN authorization for Gaza international force lasting through 2027 under Trump plan

Trump’s Bold Move: US Seeks UN Backing for Gaza Peace Force Until 2027

The United States has recently presented its Gaza strategy to the United…
11-year-old killed in road rage shooting on the way to school, police say

Tragic Road Rage Incident Claims Life of 11-Year-Old En Route to School, Authorities Report

In a tragic turn of events in Nevada, an 11-year-old boy lost…
Boston Strangler's unheard confession tapes cast new doubt on 'America’s Jack the Ripper': victim's nephew

Newly Unveiled Boston Strangler Confession Tapes Elicit Fresh Scrutiny: Insights from Victim’s Nephew

Casey Sherman, the nephew of the youngest victim linked to the infamous…