CHICAGO (WLS) — A young local boy received a holiday surprise that he will cherish forever at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry: a trip to Disneyland for him and his family.
For 7-year-old Alex Nevarez, it was an unforgettable day filled with joy.
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The moment Alex discovered that he and his loved ones would be heading to Disneyland in California, he was overcome with emotion and shed tears of happiness.
A devoted Spider-Man enthusiast, Nevarez couldn’t have been more thrilled.
The exciting announcement took place in grand style on Friday morning during the “Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing” exhibit at MSI.
Adding to the magic, Spider-Man himself sent a personalized video message for Alex.
It was quite the invite for Nevarez, who is living with spina bifida.
“This journey hasn’t been easy. It’s been very difficult, a lot of appointments, a lot of therapies, a lot of surgeries. And this just gets us away from a little bit of everything that we go through on a day-to-day,” mother Vanessa Nevarez said.
Alex Nevarez’s family was in on the surprise trip.
“We’ve come so far. I’m so proud,” father Victor Nevarez said.
The surprise of a lifetime came about after producers of the Disney Holiday Special learned about how Nevarez’s mother successfully advocated for an all-access playground in the family’s town of north suburban Mundelein.
For over 40 years, the TV show has highlighted people making a difference in their communities.
“I was amazed by the parents and Alex doing all that they can for him,” said Stephanie Ridenour, a Disney Holiday Special senior producer.
Despite his physical challenges, Nevarez is a very active 7-year old who loves playing both wheelchair sports and spending time with his cousins, their dad and his grandmother who are all going on the trip, too.
“He’s my hero. He’s my hero. He showed me a lot; he’s been showing me a lot. Nothing is impossible in his world,” uncle Gabriel Nevarez said.
Two other families will also be highlighted during the show and gifted travel to a Disney-owned property.
Nevarez and his family will travel to the resort in two weeks.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of this ABC station.
