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Make-A-Wish of Eastern North Carolina and the Durham Police Department SWAT team helped reveal a once-in-a-lifetime surprise for Noah Marmito and his family at the N.C. Cancer Hospital on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

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Noah Marmito and his family will spend the holidays in Walt Disney World thanks to Make-A-Wish of Eastern North Carolina.
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Noah and his two brothers did some exploring in the Durham SWAT team’s truck.

Noah Marmito, 8, is currently undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the N.C. Cancer Hospital, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center’s clinical home.

The youngster has a strong interest in law enforcement and is a big fan of all things SWAT. He dreamed of becoming a member of the SWAT team for a day and also going on a family vacation to Walt Disney World.

Make-A-Wish of Eastern North Carolina stepped in to help make both of his wishes come true, and in coordination with UNC Lineberger and UNC Health Care, helped arrange for the Durham SWAT team to bring their truck for Noah, his siblings and other pediatric oncology patients to explore.

Members of the media and UNC Health Care staff were on-hand in the radiation oncology parking lot to see Noah receive his wish.

“We are very honored and excited to be a part of this special day for Noah,” said Sergeant Aaron Ligo of the Durham Police Department.

Noah even got his own SWAT uniform and some fun souvenirs from his new pals.

Catherine Marmito, Noah’s mother, is grateful for the support her family has received from the UNC community.

“UNC has become our family,” she said. “This really is a dream come true.”

Noah, his mom, dad and two brothers will spend the holidays in Walt Disney World, a well-deserved break and opportunity to be together as a family outside of the hospital.

Watch the UNC Health Care video below to learn more about Noah’s story: