‘Shocked, excited’: Make-A-Wish Canada sending Burlington kids to Disney

Gabe Crimeli is going to Disney World!

The 11-year-old Burlington youth was surprised at his school on April 29 by Make-A-Wish Canada with a trip to Walt Disney World. Gabe was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2017, but after roughly three years was declared cancer-free in 2020.

The announcement at Holy Rosary Catholic School included signs held by classmates, enthusiastic cheers and a Disney-themed luggage filled with toys. It also included a very surprised Gabe.

I was trying to figure out what was happening. I didn't know what was going on. And so, like, I read the signs and I saw everybody's faces," said Gabe. I feel good. Shocked. Excited."

The celebration marked a milestone for Make-A-Wish Canada, as it's the first time it was able to announce the return of trips to Walt Disney World Resorts following more than two years of having trips on hold due to the pandemic. The trips are set to officially return as early as July.

Tiffany MacDonald, with Make-A-Wish Canada, said Gabe has been on a long and difficult road to get to this point.

He's persevered during a very long battle, and he had nausea and vomiting and hair loss and muscle aches and pains - all being poked and prodded after procedure after procedure after procedure. During all of this time, you have become a superhero," said MacDonald.

During the ordeal, Gabe produced a comic book on the experience titled IronGabe" that details his experience with the diagnosis.

Sabrina Crimeli, Gabe's mother, thanked the people at Make-A-Wish and Gabe's classmates for their support.

It's overwhelming; it feels like a big chapter coming to a close. And, I am excited about the chaos that will be Disney World," said Crimeli.