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A Disney-themed surprise lifts spirits for June

June, a two-year-old cancer patient from Mill City at a Make-A-Wish Foundation event in her honor at Capitol Auto Group in Salem on Sept. 30, 2021 (Courtesy/Capitol Auto Group)

A two-year-old cancer patient was so overwhelmed when she came through the front door of Capitol Subaru to see balloons, Donald Duck, the Subaru bear and people clapping and cheering that she turned to her mother to be picked up and held.

June, of Mill City whose family prefers not to use their last name, was invited to a party in her honor Thursday sponsored by the Salem dealership and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

June was selected by the foundation to be granted her wish: a backyard play structure that was installed at her home last week.

“June was excited to have this party because her third birthday is next week,” said her mother, Kimberly.

June and her family were greeted by Capitol employees who lined each side of a red carpet that led to a banner that read “Mickey Mouse Park.”

To the right of the sign was a wagonload of gifts June would take home, including Minnie Mouse dolls. June is a big Minnie Mouse fan.

June, a two-year-old cancer patient from Mill City, is carried by her mother Kimberly at a Make-A-Wish Foundation event in her honor at Capitol Auto Group in Salem on Sept. 30, 2021 (Courtesy/Capitol Auto Group)

The Mickey and Minnie theme was carried out at the refreshment table that offered cupcakes topped with the two Disney characters.

“Cupcakes are one of June’s favorite treats,” said her mother, who was accompanied to the event by June’s father, Jordan.

Other relatives also attended, including June’s best friend, second cousin Kinzie of Gates.

The Oregon Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation works with local Subaru retailers to raise money to bring joy to critically ill children ages 2 ½ to 18, said Fletcher Johnson, senior manager for corporate relations in the state.

“I believe this party is the second one here in the past two years,” he said. “All of the food, favors, toys and decorations were purchased by Capitol Subaru.”

The non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation was formed in April 1980 to create life-changing wishes to ill kids. The international group is headquartered in Phoenix, AZ.

More information about the organization is available at wish.org.

June, a two-year-old cancer patient from Mill City at a Make-A-Wish Foundation event in her honor at Capitol Auto Group in Salem on Sept. 30, 2021 (Courtesy/Capitol Auto Group)

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