Twin Boy Wrote Letter to Disney 5 Years Ago Asking for Advice on His Drawings. Now His Art Is Being Featured in Their Video
Twin Boy Wrote Letter to Disney 5 Years Ago Asking for Advice on His Drawings. Now His Art Is Being Featured in Their Video
Brian BrantMon, April 27, 2026 at 6:39 PM UTC
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Since 1981, Disney has worked with Make-A-Wish to help more than 175,000 children
On Monday, the company kicked off a "Week of Wishes" featuring a new video inspired by the story of EJ Maldonado
In 2021, the boy had written to Disney about his dreams of becoming an animator himself
Five years ago, Efrain “EJ” Maldonado wrote a letter to Walt Disney Animation looking for some advice.
It was his "dream," the Illinois boy wrote, to work for the storied studio behind Aladdin, Fantasia and others favorites that had become a comfort while in the hospital being treated for biliary atresia, which ultimately required a liver transplant.
"I am writing to ask for your help so I can improve my drawing skills and begin to learn computer animation," the then-11-year-old EJ, who also has a twin sister, wrote along with some of his best drawings.
EJ, now 16, got his wish — spending a "day in the life" with Disney animators and, this week, inspiring a new clip celebrating the company's decades of partnering with Make-A-Wish.
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EJ MaldonadoCredit: Courtesy of Disney
Since 1981, Disney has helped fulfill wishes with the organization for more than 175,000 children, or a wish an hour each day.
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On Monday, April 27, the company launched a "Disney Week of Wishes" to commemorate this work.
That includes the new clip inspired by EJ's story: Directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Goh Iromoto, it also features four of his drawings.
Other "Week of Wishes" events include an Avengers party at Disneyland for about 40 kids and their families with actors Paul Bettany and Anthony Mackie, who play two of the superhero members of the team, as well as the opportunity for two children to announce some picks during the NFL draft on ESPN.
“We’re honored that so many wish kids choose Disney. Our stories bring joy, hope and inspiration to millions around the world, and that’s a privilege we take very seriously,” Josh D’Amaro, Disney's CEO, said in a statement. “Our work with Make-A-Wish speaks to the connection that generations of families have with Disney and builds on Walt’s legacy of using storytelling to spread joy when it’s needed most.”
Make-A-Wish America President Leslie Motter echoed that, saying in her own statement: “This 45-year relationship has never been stronger, and Disney Week of Wishes will spotlight the remarkable scale and lasting impact of Disney’s commitment to bringing life-changing wishes to children around the world.”
The "Disney Week of Wishes" runs through Friday, May 1.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
