September 2, 2011 – Toronto ON – Bright and early this morning, Make-A-Wish^® Canada ambassador and wish child, Daniel, took a once-in-a-lifetime flight with pilot, Michael Wiskus and the Lucas Oil Pitts show plane, leading up to the opening of the Canadian International Air Show.

Daniel is a past wish recipient and an ambassador for the wish-granting organization. After years of battling numerous life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, Make-A-Wish made Daniel’s dream to go on a Disney cruise come true! Since his magical trip in 2009, Daniel has been involved in Make-A-Wish activities and happenings across the GTA, inspiring others to share the power of a wish^®!



“Daniel experienced the enigmatic power of a wish when he was 16 years old. He now enjoys being an ambassador for Make-A-Wish and sharing his life-affirming experience with others to inspire in them, the kind of hope, strength and joy that he and his family experienced first-hand,” said Jennifer Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. “A wish is a powerful thing. It creates hope and hope is powerful medicine for a child fighting a life-threatening medical condition. If a child can have hope, then they can believe that anything is possible, even the future. ”

Daniel’s exclusive flight followed Thursday’s special media day with Make-A-Wish and the Canadian International Air Show, where 30 wish children and family members were on hand to meet various military aircraft teams, including the Snowbirds, the CF18 demonstration team, and the V-22 Osprey team. Children and media perused on the tarmac where they saw, touched and even sat in some of the aircraft.

On Sunday, September 4, more Make-A-Wish families will be attending the 2011 Canadian International Air Show, where they will be treated to a VIP, tented area to watch the show and meet members of the Heavy Metal Jet Team.

Make-A-Wish would like to extend a big thank you out to the Canadian International Air Show, the many military aircraft crews that took part in media day, and the Heavy Metal Jet Team, all of whom have been so generous with their in-kind, onsite and ongoing support of the organization. Thank you all for sharing the power of a wish! ®