Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
McAllen International Airport partnered with Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley and sponsors Lone Star National Bank and East Ocean to send three children facing critical illnesses and health challenges on wish vacations at a special event held on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Wish Day at MFE brought together the children and their families for a send-off celebration before their nonstop flight to Orlando, Florida. Activities at the airport included cookies, a face-painting station, and special goodie bags for the families.
According to Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley, the three children beginning their wish journeys are 7-year-old Richard, traveling with his family of five; 5-year-old Elena, traveling with her family of five; and 7-year-old Anahi, traveling with her family of three.
“Today, we are deeply grateful to McAllen International Airport and our generous sponsors — Lone Star National Bank and East Ocean — for helping create a moment these families will never forget,” said Rebecca Gearhart, chief executive officer for Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley. “A wish is more than a fleeting moment — wishes restore hope, bring joy during a difficult journey, and remind families they are not alone.”
Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley is the regional chapter of Make-A-Wish, a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children diagnosed with critical illnesses. The organization works with donors, volunteers, and community partners to provide experiences intended to bring hope and emotional support to children and their families during medical treatment.
Lone Star National Bank is a community bank headquartered in South Texas, providing personal and commercial banking services across the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding areas. East Ocean is a locally owned restaurant in the Rio Grande Valley that serves the community through its business operations and charitable involvement.
“Today is a reminder of the fundamental reason for doing what we do. Our airport is more than a place for departures and arrivals, it’s where meaningful journeys begin,” said Jeremy Santoscoy, P.E., Director of Aviation for the City of McAllen. “McAllen International Airport is proud to support and deeply appreciates organizations like Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley and the impact they have on families in our community.”
