*PHOTOS* Stoneham Central Middle School Student Receives Dream Trip Through Make-A-Wish 

STONEHAM – A Stoneham Central Middle School student will receive a dream trip to Walt Disney World Resort with his family, thanks to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and with help from a galaxy far, far away.

Sixth-grader and “Star Wars” fan Callum Lemanski and his family — parents Mike Lemanski and Christine O’Brien, and sisters Nora and Maren – will travel to Disney World for an all-expenses-paid, six-day, five-night stay. Callum will be able to build his own lightsaber while there.

Friday was “Star Wars Day” at the school as part of its regular Friday theme days. Sixth-graders and their teachers were brought to the school gymnasium for what they thought was an assembly about kindness and giving.

The “Star Wars” theme music hit. Make-A-Wish volunteers Teresa Raimondi of Reading and Kate Buckley of Billerica entered, followed by members of the “Star Wars” costuming groups the 501st New England Garrison and Rebel Legion, and a droid from the New England Droid Builders.

Raimondi and Buckley announced that they had come to grant a special wish, and called Callum forward. Callum stood and waved. His classmates erupted, stomping their feet and cheering “Callum! Callum! Callum! Callum!” Everyone smiled.

“I was just amazed,” Callum said. “I had no clue.”

Callum was born with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that causes changes in the heart, blood vessels, bones, joints, skin, and internal organs. Callum’s mother referred him to Make-A-Wish, which grants wishes for children with critical illnesses, and the organization connected with Callum’s family over the winter holiday break.

His parents asked that the Middle School community, whose core values include kindness and respect for others, be included in the announcement.

“Any time we can spread joy to a child, we will,” Assistant Principal Nikki Clark said. “This was an easy yes for us.”

Following the brief presentation, Callum and his family posed for many photos with the costumers, school officials, Make-A-Wish representatives, and faculty and staff.

“Being able to have really special things to look forward to makes kids feel special in a good way,” Mike Lemanski said. “Sometimes they feel special in not such a good way.”

“It was a privilege to join with Stoneham Central Middle School and the 501st Legion to celebrate Callum and his family, and we thank everyone who was involved in creating the memorable experience,” said Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island CEO Sean Holleran. “Callum’s wish reveal is a remarkable example of the power of a wish to unite and uplift individuals and entire communities through joy and hope.”

To see the Make-A-Wish video from the event, click here.

About Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island 

Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. A wish can be a spark that helps a child believe anything is possible. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Together with generous supporters and 500-plus volunteers, the organization has granted the wishes of nearly 10,000 children in Massachusetts and Rhode Island since its founding 40 years ago, and its vision is to grant the wish of every medically eligible child. For more information and ways to get involved, visit www.massri.wish.org.