TOOELE, Utah–– Surrounded by friends, family, and community leaders, Chartway Federal Credit Union’s We Promise Foundation held a Disney-themed wish reveal for two year-old Rhyan to surprise her with the news that her wish to visit Walt Disney World will be funded by Chartway’s charitable arm and granted by Make-A-Wish Utah.
Held at Chartway’s branch located at 562 North Main Street in Tooele, Utah, more than 50 people – including Tooele Mayor Debbie Winn, members of the Tooele Chamber of Commerce, Chartway’s Board Chairman George Sauer, Chartway’s 1st Vice Chairman & Treasurer Bob Holmes; Chartway board member and CEO of Make-A-Wish Utah, Jared Perry; Chartway President & CEO Brian Schools, Chartway EVP/COO, Kim Little; We Promise Foundation Executive Director Karen Lane, and more attended the big reveal, where Rhyan arrived by limousine and was greeted by high-fives as she traveled across a red carpet rolled out just for her.
Following the theme of her wish, a presentation for Rhyan was held where Frozen characters Queen Elsa and Princess Anna read the signature Make-A-Wish Utah Wish Proclamation scroll to announce that Rhyan’s wish was being granted thanks to a charitable grant from Chartway’s We Promise Foundation.
Rhyan’s life drastically changed when she was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia found in only 1 – 2% of all childhood leukemia cases. Each year, only 25 to 50 cases are diagnosed, equating to roughly three out of a million children, the credit union noted. As Rhyan fights her leukemia with chemotherapy and as doctor’s determine the potential need for a bone marrow transplant, her smile still lights up a room and her superhero-like perseverance prevails.
“The We Promise Foundation strengthens the communities we serve by partnering with companion charities, sponsors, and contributors to provide the financial support needed to make dreams and wishes come to life for children facing medical challenges,” stated We Promise Foundation executive director, Karen Lane. “We’re honored to work alongside Make-A-Wish Utah as a dedicated partner so that children like Rhyan can experience a dream come true.”
Make-A-Wish Utah CEO Jared Perry agreed. “Chartway Federal Credit Union and its We Promise Foundation are vital partners in granting wishes in our community,” he said. “Wishes are life-changing experiences for all involved, and we were excited to witness this power first-hand as we joined together to tell Rhyan that her wish was being granted.”
Chartway’s We Promise Foundation and Make-A-Wish Utah have been long-time partners in making wishes come true for children battling life-threatening conditions across the state. Since partnering with Make-A- Wish Utah in 2011, Chartway’s We Promise Foundation has donated $1.3 million to Make-A-Wish Utah to grant the wishes of 285 children in Utah.