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
Illinois man charged with arson after allegedly setting home ablaze on Thanksgiving

Illinois Resident Accused of Thanksgiving Day House Fire

In a shocking Thanksgiving incident, an Illinois man found himself behind bars…
Criminal networks exploit US interstates to make human trafficking victims vanish: ‘Real plague’

Uncovering the Hidden Highway: How Criminal Networks Exploit US Interstates for Human Trafficking

An alarming crisis is spreading across the nation’s roadways, leading to the…
National Guardsman shot in DC is 'hanging on,' family pleading for prayer, congressman says

Family Seeks Prayers as National Guardsman Fights for Life After DC Shooting, Congressman Reports

In a pressing call for hope and support, a West Virginia National…
Rioters throw trash, garbage cans at ICE vehicles in New York City; multiple arrests

New York City Chaos: Rioters Target ICE Vehicles with Trash Barrage, Prompting Multiple Arrests

Authorities have confirmed that multiple arrests took place on Saturday following an…
Tinsel, Taps and 'Tinis | A new initiative to explore Downtown Jacksonville

Discover Downtown Jacksonville: Sip, Shop, and Celebrate with Tinsel & Tinis

Downtown Vision has launched an initiative designed to introduce residents to the…
Afghan national admitted via Operation Allies Welcome charged with making terroristic threat, DHS says

Afghan Evacuee from Operation Allies Welcome Faces Charges for Alleged Threats, DHS Reports

An Afghan national has been taken into custody after allegedly posting a…
Driver carjacked in West Village by machete-wielding muggers

Driver Victimized by Machete-Wielding Assailants in West Village Carjacking

A man, aged 27, experienced a terrifying carjacking in downtown Manhattan when…
Zootopia 2: Meet the voices behind some new characters in Disney-animated sequel, including Fortune Feimster and Ke Huy Quan

Disney Unveils New Voices for ‘Zootopia 2’: Fortune Feimster and Ke Huy Quan Join the Animated Sequel

LOS ANGELES — Disney’s highly anticipated “Zootopia 2” is making waves at…
Beach Park man Erik Crump charged with arson after setting fire to home after Thanksgiving argument: Lake County sheriff

Beach Park Resident Erik Crump Faces Arson Charges Following Post-Thanksgiving Dispute: Lake County Authorities Report

A domestic dispute during the Thanksgiving holiday led to a house fire…
Victims in deadly Colorado carjacking crash identified as suspect's ID kept under wraps: 'Incomprehensible'

Identities of Colorado Carjacking Crash Victims Revealed, Suspect’s Name Remains Confidential

Authorities have identified the victims of a tragic car crash in Colorado…
'It didn’t feel real': Georgia teen dances his way to New York City for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Georgia Teen’s Dance Journey Takes Him to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City

As vibrant floats and rhythmic marching bands made their way down 34th…
Virginia high school football coach goes missing during team's undefeated season

Manhunt Intensifies: Fugitive Football Coach Evades Capture in Woods Armed with Gun

A high school football coach from Virginia, wanted in connection with a…