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
Erika Kirk speaking emotionally during a Fox News interview about Charlie Kirk’s assassination

Erika Kirk: “Mind Virus” Drives Misinformation on Assassination Attempts

Erika Kirk, widow of assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, used…
US Border Patrol agent kills suspected cartel smuggler after 'struggle' near Texas riverbank

US Border Patrol Agent Involved in Fatal Encounter with Suspected Cartel Smuggler Near Texas Riverbank

A U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot a suspected cartel smuggler on…
ICE arrests criminal illegal immigrant accused of fleeing head-on crash that severely injured Maryland woman

ICE Apprehends Fugitive Illegal Immigrant Linked to Devastating Maryland Crash

A suspected illegal immigrant, who reportedly made his way into the U.S.…
Students on California high school track team injured after suspected DUI driver accused of hitting them

Suspected DUI Driver Crashes into California High School Track Team, Injuring Multiple Students

Authorities have apprehended a man in California who is accused of running…
Alleged gang hit man captured after yearslong manhunt for 3 separate murders in Philadelphia: 'The very worst'

Philadelphia Manhunt Ends with Arrest of Suspected Gang Hitman Linked to Trio of Murders

A 25-year-old man from Philadelphia, accused of serving as a hitman for…
Tourist stabbed multiple times at NYC's iconic Macy's during holiday shopping rush

Shocking Stabbing Incident at NYC’s Famous Macy’s Amid Holiday Shopping Frenzy

A shocking incident unfolded at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City…
Mississippi governor orders release of man who served more than 10 years of illegal 15-year sentence

Mississippi Governor Grants Freedom to Man After Over a Decade of Unlawful Imprisonment

In a significant turn of events, Mississippi’s Republican Governor Tate Reeves has…
JTA cutting bus fare to $1, making downtown NAVI shuttles free

Ride for Less: JTA Slashes Bus Fares to $1 and Offers Free Downtown NAVI Shuttles!

Starting in February 2026, Jacksonville’s bus riders will enjoy a significant fare…
Family of slain Chicago officer sues city, says department ignored warnings about dangerous partner

Family of Fallen Chicago Officer Files Lawsuit Against City, Alleges Ignored Warnings About Dangerous Partner

The family of a Chicago police officer who was tragically shot by…
Lawrence Reed, man accused in CTA Blue Line fire attack, facing new charges in separate alleged att. sex assault near Grand stop

Lawrence Reed, Suspect in CTA Blue Line Fire Incident, Faces Additional Charges in Alleged Attempted Sexual Assault Near Grand Station

CHICAGO (WLS) — A man already facing federal charges for a violent…
FBI investigating more than 350 subjects tied to violent online '764' network

FBI Cracks Down on ‘764’ Network: Over 350 Individuals Under Investigation for Online Violence

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has embarked on a significant probe…
Chicago police shooting: Roberto Calvario, Jr. ID'd as man shot, killed by officer on Washtenaw in West Ridge, CPD, ME says

Chicago Shooting: Roberto Calvario, Jr. Identified as Man Fatally Shot by Police Officer in West Ridge

A 20-year-old man, who was shot and killed by a Chicago police…