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Dolphin Dream Comes True For Ailing Paramus Girl, 6

The wish of a Paramus 6-year-old battling a critical illness became a reality thanks to the combined efforts of Jersey Mike's Subs in Ridgewood and Emerson along with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Daniella of Paramus had her wish come true, thanks to Jersey Mike's Subs in Ridgewood and Emerson, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Daniella of Paramus had her wish come true, thanks to Jersey Mike's Subs in Ridgewood and Emerson, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Daniella's hope was restored after the visit with the animals, her family said.

Daniella's hope was restored after the visit with the animals, her family said.

Photo Credit: Contributed

After keeping Daniella’s wish a secret from her for months, her parents woke her up and handed her a stuffed dolphin and an itinerary for a surprise trip.

Daniella then woke her brothers one by one, and announced the family was going on an adventure to the Florida Keys.

Her wish experience gave her the chance to heal and begin a new chapter in her life, creating memories with her family that would help to wash away the terrifying struggles she has had to endure.

The excitement only continued for Daniella and her family, including a limo ride to the airport, VIP treatment by the flight attendants, and even the captain invited Daniella and her brothers to visit the cockpit.

“After we were seated, the attendant made an announcement through the overhead speaker telling everyone on the plane that Daniella was a cancer survivor and taking her dream vacation to swim with the dolphins,” shared her father. “When the announcement was over, all the people on the airplane started to clap and give her support."

Daniella’s trip to Florida and her experience swimming with dolphins gave her and her entire family hope, joy and a feeling of transformation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation said.

From the hotel, to the main highlight of swimming with dolphins at Dolphins Plus, Daniella will never forget this experience she shared with those closest to her, her family said.

Celebrating its 35th Anniversary, Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted more than 9,500 wishes since its inception in 1983 – a record 530 wishes last year alone. 

With a goal of granting well over 500 wishes again this year, the generous support of corporations like Jersey Mike’s Subs is critical to the organization’s continued success.

Jersey Mike’s Subs’ 8th Annual Month of Giving will begin on March 1, with a goal of raising funds for Make-A-Wish New Jersey to grant wishes in the year ahead.

Customers can visit their local Jersey Mike’s on March 28 – the Day Of Giving – where all participating Jersey Mike’s locations will donate 100 percent of sales to nearly 150 different charities including Make-A-Wish, hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more.

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