Six-year-old Kalvin Swartzendruber got the surprise of his life in December when he was granted his wish to visit Disneyland. Members of Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley were on-site at the Manheim Auto Auction to reveal that Kalvin's wish had been granted through the organization.

"It was absolutely amazing," said Kalvin's mom, Meredith Swartzendruber. "At first, he said, 'They just told me what I'm wishing for,' and we said, 'No, honey, you're getting your wish.' His brother caught on faster and said, 'We're going to Disneyland!'" Kalvin and his 10-year-old brother, Ayden, attended the wish reveal with their mom and their dad, Adam.

Kalvin was born with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, a congenital growth disorder. He has also battled cancer, but he is now cancer-free. "Throughout his treatment, we would watch Disney (theme park) videos," Meredith recalled. "They helped distract him from things that were going on around him." One ride he particularly loved was the Incredicoaster, which is only in Disney California Adventure Park, part of Disneyland. "He would say, 'I want to go on this ride. I want to go to California Disney.' It became a nice little mental distraction for him," Meredith noted. The family took the trip to California in mid-December.

The Swartzendrubers moved to Elizabethtown in August of 2021. Kalvin was already undergoing routine ultrasounds because of his syndrome, and during one, doctors discovered a mass on his kidney. Within two weeks, Kalvin began chemotherapy, enduring 13 rounds and experiencing a rare side effect of the treatment that affected his liver and required hospitalization. Part of his kidney was also removed during treatment.

The current first-grader was homebound from school for three months during treatment, but kept a positive attitude, Meredith said. "He's looking forward to playing T-ball this spring," she shared. "He loves dancing. I'll put on music, and he'll just dance."

Kalvin's wish was revealed at a kickoff planning meeting for the 2023 Make-A-Wish Mother's Day Truck Convoy. The convoy is a major fundraiser for the organization, generating more than $500,000 last year, with proceeds used to grant wishes like Kalvin's.