A young cancer patient’s wish to see Disney World was granted through the generosity of Indiana Wish with global creator and philanthropist MrBeast.
Cambridge City’s Jenson Shank, a four-year-old battling neuroblastoma, and his family enjoyed a week at the Orlando, Florida, amusement park, creating moments of joy and laughter to focus on hope and happiness during a challenging time.
“Seeing Jenson smile throughout the trip meant everything to our family,” said Olivia Shank, Jenson’s mom, in a news release. “These are memories we’ll cherish forever, and we’re so thankful to Indiana Wish and MrBeast for making this dream a reality.”
Common in infants and young children, neuroblastoma develops in the nerve tissue appearing as a lump in the skin, in the belly, neck or chest, according to Cleveland Clinic. Jenson was diagnosed in March 2025 and underwent treatment at Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis. After a treatment relapse in March this year, the family booked the Indiana Wish trip.
“We didn’t know what future treatment would entail and wanted to make sure he was able to enjoy it,” Olivia Shank told WWN.
The family, including Jenson’s father, Zac, and older brother, Mason, visited Disney World and Universal Studios while staying at the Give Kids the World Village, a Florida-based nonprofit and resort that offers weeklong trips for critically ill children and their families. Olivia Shank said Jenson’s favorite part was the Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land.
Today, Jenson has treatments once a month, a week at a time. While they can take a lot out of him, Olivia Shank said he’s your typical four-year-old who loves playing outdoors and dinosaurs, and he is looking forward to starting preschool this month. Beyond Riley, the family hopes Jenson can join a clinical trial in Boston.
Jenson’s was one of 100 Wish experiences that MrBeast donated to in partnership with Give Kids the World Village, including three other Indiana Wish families. Born James Stephen “Jimmy” Donaldson, MrBeast is a YouTube and media personality whose mere few streams in 2012 have since amassed 510M subscribers. He’s launched multiple media ventures including 2024’s Prime Video competition series, “Beast Games.”
Since 1984, nonprofit Indiana Wish has granted over 3,600 wishes to Indiana children facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses. These efforts are possible through donors, volunteers and community partners.
“Every wish we grant is about creating hope, strength and lasting memories for children and their families,” said J’Lynn Edwards, executive director of Indiana Wish, in the release. “We are incredibly grateful to MrBeast for helping make Jenson’s dream come true. This wish reminds us of the incredible impact that generosity and compassion can have on a child facing a life-threatening illness.”
For more information on Indiana Wish, visit indianawish.org. MrBeast’s shares about his philanthropy and other ventures at youtube.com/@MrBeast.
A version of this article will appear in the August 5 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
