Rite Aid's Superhero Surprise!

Sharing this inspiring story from Miracle Mom Jessica Capitani about her son Caden’s big day with our friends from Rite Aid. Thank you, Rite Aid, for raising funds and creating unforgettable experiences for our Miracle Kids!

“Last Friday, Rite Aid gifted Caden with the most incredible experience. They didn’t have to do anything at all but they did it and they did it big.

I had a lunch meeting scheduled at Rite Aid’s corporate office to discuss Children’s Miracle Network Hershey with the amazing Ashley Flower who suggested I bring Caden along. Unbeknownst to me, Ashley and her coworkers had been working on a fantasticly creative and thoughtful surprise for my boy. As we approached the entrance to the headquarters, Caden immediately spotted a welcome poster for him on the front door. He was beyond tickled and asked Mommy to take pictures. That alone would have made his day but as you’ll see, that’s not how Ashley and Rite Aid roll.

Once inside, we realized that the hallways were plastered with Caden’s face superimposed onto all kinds of superhero images! As we walked through the building, we saw poster after poster with his little face photoshopped onto his favorite characters. He was in awe. I thought Rite Aid had gone above and beyond to welcome Caden but the surprises continued.

Ashley then brought Caden to their tv studio where the duo filmed a Gangnam Style dance video. Even without advance notice, Caden was ready to perform for the camera and yet again, it seemed his day was beyond made. But Ashley and Rite Aid were not done yet. Not even close.

After lunch, Ashley escorted Caden to the office of Bill Renz, a senior VP at Rite Aid, who dropped Caden right into a job interview! No way! Caden’s new boss offered him the position of Senior Consultant of Happiness and agreement letters were signed. He handed Caden a name tag, showed him his VERY OWN OFFICE and gave him the work schedule for the day. Caden was tasked with “finding the seasons” throughout the building while spreading joy with smiles and hugs. He was absolutely beaming.

Using his very own work wagon, Caden was off on the hunt to complete the list of tasks on his schedule. He visited various meeting rooms, offices and cubicles to track down the seasons which consisted of seasonal bags filled with toys, games, snacks, candy, and all sorts of goodies. Now the reasoning for the work wagon made sense as there was no way Caden could carry everything. Along the way, he did in fact hand out smiles and hugs and was definitely in his element. He owned that job of Senior Consultant of Happiness.

When all items on his work list had been checked off, we returned to Caden’s office where he enjoyed a bonus of ice cream. Mr. Renz joked that he would appreciate some feedback as a boss so Caden grabbed a sheet of paper and wrote “so handsome”. Still doing his job of spreading smiles.

Caden was thrilled with all the gifts he received but more than that, he was thrilled at being offered a job. He is still telling everyone he sees about his office at Rite Aid. He felt important there and a part of the team. I can’t express enough, as a mother, how that warmed my heart. They rolled out the red carpet and treated my boy like a star. It filled his cup, and mine, to overflowing. To say I was stunned throughout our visit is an understatement. The preparation, the creativity, the generosity, the personalization, the warmth, the sincere pleasure to be involved that every Rite Aid employee demonstrated – all to make a difference to one little boy – is something we will never forget. It is said that you can judge a person by the company that they keep. Conversely, if you can judge a company by the people that it keeps, then Rite Aid steals the show. Further demonstrated by their incredible support of Children’s Miracle Network Hershey, of course. Thank you, Miss Ashley, Mr. Renz, their team and Rite Aid, for such an unbelievable welcome and visit for Caden! Your Senior Consultant of Happiness says to keep smiling!” #riteaidforthewin #luckyboy #gratefulmom