Cristian, a 13-year-old known for his year-round Christmas cheer, is headed to Walt Disney World to see his favorite parade come to life.<\/p>\n
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 The Make-A-Wish (MAW)Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, in partnership with Valero, is making a Coastal Bend’s teen wish come true.\u00a0<\/p>\n
13-year-old Cristian, who lives every day with Christmas-morning enthusiasm, brings holiday cheer year-round is heading to Walt Disney World.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Make-A-Wish and Valero are granting his biggest wish: to see Mickey\u2019s Disney Christmas Parade in person this holiday season.<\/p>\n
His family says his true superpower is spreading joy through his laughter, knock-knock jokes, and kind spirit. Cristian’s magical send off was celebrated on Wednesday, along with his family and the event organizers cheering him on with pom poms.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A devoted Mickey Mouse fan, Cristian watches Mickey\u2019s Disney Christmas Parade daily, singing and dancing along as if he\u2019s part of the show.<\/p>\n
“Everybody knows Cristian is a Disney person, his every day life is about the Disney parade. And with that being said every day is like a parade in his life, whether he walks into H-E-B, Walmart, Driscoll – it doesn’t matter, it’s like he’s in a parade. He’s there, “hi,” to everybody – strangers and all,” said Rita Banda, Christian’s mom.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Valero has been a strong supporter of Make-A-Wish, contributing more than $1.1 million since 2021 to help grant life-changing wishes. Their support has brought over 70 wishes to children in five refinery communities, including more than 20 in Corpus Christi.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Corpus Christi team continues to be a standout partner, reflecting Valero\u2019s commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities it serves.<\/p>\n
\u201cCristian reminds us what the holiday season is truly about \u2013 joy, hope and togetherness,\u201d said Shelly Millwee, CEO and President of Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. \u201cWe\u2019re so grateful to Valero and our community for helping make his dream come true.\u201d<\/p>\n