Adrian Laureano was granted his wish Dec. 7 to sing with Disney Channel stars Austin and Ally in L.A. Dec. 11. UNH students and many others gathered to celebrate with him and make him feel like a true rock star. 

Adrian Laureano got to be a “rock star” for a day, as he was granted his wish from Make-A-Wish on Dec. 7, at Karaoke Heroes in downtown New Haven.

Adrian, 5 years old, was granted his wish to sing a song with Austin and Ally, and will be traveling to Los Angeles on Dec. 11 to do just that.

“I’m excited,” said Adrian, whose favorite singers are Disney Channel stars, Austin, played by Ross Lynch, and Ally, played by Laura Marano, who star in their own TV show, Austin & Ally. Adrian started off his party by singing a Lynch original, “Better Than This.”

Family and friends gathered to celebrate the granting of his wish, along with students from the University of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University, Glastonbury High School, sisters of Zeta Phi Beta and brothers of Iota Phi Beta. Everyone acted as Adrian’s paparazzi, cheering as he arrived, asking to take selfies with him and to sign autographs to make him feel like a true rock star.

Adrian was also accompanied by two UNH students, Matt Redding and Dylan Jones, who acted as his bodyguards during the party.

“We’re just very thankful for everyone who came out to support us. We didn’t expect it to be like this,” said Adrian’s mother, Jasmine Gonzalez. “It means a lot; it’s unexplainable and very touching.”
After his opening act, students and guests in the audience helped him sing along to songs including “Roar” and “Firework,” by Katy Perry, and taught Adrian how to do the Cupid Shuffle.

“Even though I only played a small role in making this adorable little boy’s wish come true, I felt honored,” said sophomore Jessica Bradt. “It was really nice to see a smile on his face as we all applauded and cheered for him as he walked in and sang for us.”

Adrian was diagnosed with moderate to persistence asthma, tracheomalacia and gerd at six months old. Due to his illnesses, he takes two inhalers at night, along with two medications, and has to use a ventilator for five to ten minutes before going to sleep.

“It’s hard. It’s all year long and worse during the winter and spring because of allergens,” said Gonzalez. “He gets croup cough, and that’s when I have to send him to the hospital to get steroids to open up his airway.”

Shelissa Newball, assistant director of office of student activities at UNH, along with her fellow Wish Granter Jennifer Canebari, arranged Adrian’s party and wish.

“It is a very unique wish,” said Canebari, who said she had to look up who Austin and Ally were.

Adrian and his family will also spend a day at Universal Studios while in Los Angeles.

“It makes me cry sometimes to think that his wish is coming true, and it’s something his family will remember,” said Newball, who has been with Make-A-Wish for less than a year. This is the sixth wish she has granted.

Newball had to contact the venue and all the attendees when planning Adrian’s party.

“Karaoke Heroes donated the venue,” said Newball. “They were so generous in everything they did, and every student contacted jumped at the opportunity.”

“As soon as Shelissa contacted me I knew we would absolutely participate,” said Meghan Boudreau, general manager of Karaoke Heroes.

Karaoke Heroes also knew that Adrian was a Spiderman fan and gave him Siderman toys upon his arrival.

Along with the gift from Karaoke Heroes, Aetna health insurance gave a travel package and the Undergraduate Student Government Association of UNH awarded Adrian a proclamation for his unwavering courage.

“Today’s experience was awesome,” said Adrian’s father, Adaberto Rivera. “He’s [Adrian] very bright and smart, and loves singing and dancing. He always has lots of energy.”