-Editorial
Seven-year-old Romina received a surprise Aug. 14 at a Jack in the Box in Calexico when Make-A-Wish Foundation representatives revealed that her wish to visit Cancun, Mexico, with her family will become a reality.
The celebration took place at the Jack in the Box at 832 W. Birch St., where staff briefly closed the restaurant to mark the occasion and celebrate with Romina and her family.
Maria Inez Quintanar, a Make-A-Wish volunteer since 2016 who is from Imperial, said Romina’s wish is centered on spending time in the water and visiting attractions in Cancun.
“She wishes to swim and to be in the water,” Quintanar said. “She wants to visit the aquarium and the Nickelodeon Resort for a day.”
Romina will travel with her mother, Mariela Soto of El Centro, her two siblings, Camila and Mateo, and a close family member who will accompany them on the trip.
Soto said Romina received a heart transplant when she was 3 months old. Since then, she has continued to receive regular medical checkups while doing well, she said.
“She has always been very well, with everything controlled,” Soto said. “And now it’s time to enjoy with the family.”
Soto said the family is grateful for the opportunity to allow Romina to experience the trip.
“Now she can go without a problem,” Soto said. “Now she can live her dream.”
Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. Quintanar said children and families can be referred to the organization through medical professionals or parents.
She said wishes vary depending on the child. Some children request trips, while others may wish to meet an actress or have a special experience closer to home.
The organization’s main office serving the region is in San Diego, while volunteers and supporters work throughout Imperial Valley.
Danny Sanchez, district manager for the Jack in the Box location, said the restaurant has participated in Make-A-Wish fundraising efforts for about seven or eight years and has periodically hosted wish reveals.
Sanchez said Quintanar contacted the restaurant about hosting Romina’s reveal. Manager Irma Rojo then helped organize the celebration after the invitation was received the previous week.
Rojo and the restaurant staff prepared decorations and custom-made items representing Make-A-Wish and the Jack in the Box location.
“We do it so that the Make-A-Wish kid can enjoy, see everything, get hyped up, get happy,” Sanchez said.
The brief restaurant closure allowed Romina and her family to celebrate the announcement surrounded by Jack in the Box employees and Make-A-Wish representatives.
Make-A-Wish helps children facing critical illnesses turn their dreams into lasting memories, whether that means traveling to a special destination, meeting a favorite actor or actress, or experiencing another wish that brings them joy and hope.
