EAST PROVIDENCE — A local teen struggling with health issues recently received some exciting news this holiday season at a restaurant in city.

On Monday night, December 19, Julia McMullen, 17, of Swansea, got quite the surprise when she arrived at Papa Gino’s in East Providence.

What Julia thought was a typical pizza dinner turned out to be a celebration to let her know that Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island will grant her wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort.

Julia, who was diagnosed with intractable epilepsy at age 7, has had a difficult journey, including a period when she had months of constant seizure activity.

“Julia has such a kind heart and the best smile and laugh,” said her mom, Angela. “It will be nice to get away and kind of ‘forget’ about epilepsy for a while.”

In attendance at the party were Julia’s family and representatives from Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including Wish Coordinator Hannah Arbuthnot and wish-granting volunteer Diane Nunes.

“It was a pleasure to be a part of Julia's wish reveal,” said Nunes. “She was so excited to see her family there to surprise her and they all had a wonderful time together.”

Julia loves dolls, stuffed animals, and arts and crafts. But she absolutely loves Disney. Julia’s mom says Disney is her “happy place.” She loves Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and the Disney princesses. Julia even says she wants to work at Disney World someday.

Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island relies on the generosity of the community to continue its wish-granting work. Its vision is to reach every medically eligible child in Massachusetts and Rhode Island with the power of a wish. The organization will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2023. Learn more at www.massri.wish.org.