On Saturday, over one hundred friends and family of 12-year-old Eytani Ganot gathered at his West Newton home to celebrate the surprise granting of his wish — to go on the new, one-of-a-kind Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort. In 2012, Eytani was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare muscle disorder, and through his struggles he has drawn inspiration from his love of all things Star Wars. Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island made the granting of his wish possible.
Eytani’s sisters, Eliya and Alexy Lulu, each made presentations. Also on hand to celebrate were Darth Vader, Princess Leia, R2D2, several Stormtroopers, and others from the New England Garrison of the 501st Legion costuming group that has about 200 members and raises funds for Make-A-Wish.
The Make-A-Wish/MA + RI team — the leaders and volunteers responsible for gathering donations and making the arrangements to ensure Eytani’s wish was granted — celebrated the culmination of their months of preparation. Make-A-Wish grants five kinds of life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses: to GO somewhere, to BE something, to HAVE something, to MEET someone, or to GIVE BACK something. The foundation believes that “wishes enable children to experience profound joy, renewed strength and resiliency, and lasting hope to keep striving and dreaming for the future.” In 39 years, Make-A-Wish/MA + RI has granted the wishes of more than 9,000 children and aims to grant the wish of every medically eligible child.
Eytani’s parents, Ilan and Annie Ganot, have founded Solid Biosciences, Inc. to accelerate the discovery and development of treatments that may benefit all patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.