#ShelbyStrong: Tampa Bay Three-Year-Old With Leukemia to Visit Disney Thanks to Heritage Insurance Donation to Make-A-Wish

TAMPA, FL - [September 15, 2025] Today, Heritage Insurance is proud to host a Make-A-Wish Reveal in honor of Shelby, a courageous three-year-old whose wish to visit Disney is about to come true. Surrounded by her family, Shelby was celebrated with a festive "Mickey's Not-So-Spooky Halloween" theme as she prepares for her magical Orlando adventure later this month.

This special day was made possible through the continued partnership between Heritage and Make-A-Wish, fueled by the generosity of our employees and company match, which raised nearly $20,000, enough to grant more than two wishes.

Ernie Garateix, CEO Heritage Insurance, said, "We are deeply honored to host Shelby and her family today for this very special Wish Reveal. Shelby's journey is a true testament to strength, resilience, and hope, and it inspires all of us at Heritage. Supporting Make-A-Wish and helping to bring moments of joy to children like Shelby is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back. We're thrilled to celebrate her upcoming Disney adventure and to be part of a day filled with magic, courage, and joy."

Norm Wedderburn, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, said, "Shelby's wish to visit Walt Disney World Resort is a beautiful reminder of the joy and hope that a wish can bring not just to the child, but to their entire family and community. We're deeply grateful to Heritage Insurance for helping make this moment possible and for their continued commitment to our mission of transforming lives, one wish at a time."

Shelby's story is one of strength and hope. Born with an extra chromosome, she has faced challenges from the very beginning, including open-heart surgery as a baby. Just before her second birthday, she was diagnosed with AML Leukemia and underwent a year of intensive treatment. In November 2024, she rang the bell to celebrate the end of treatment, and this fall her family looks forward to marking nearly one year cancer-free. Shelby's smile and spirit continue to uplift everyone around her and remind her community what it means to be #ShelbyStrong.

About Heritage
Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. is a super-regional property and casualty insurance holding company providing personal and commercial residential coverage across the Northeast, Southeast, Hawaii, and California through its insurance subsidiaries and a trusted network of experienced agents. Writing approximately $1.4 billion in gross premiums, Heritage specializes in protecting policyholders in catastrophe-prone areas. With deep expertise in hurricane, wildfire, winter storm, and severe convective storm response, Heritage is committed to helping families and communities recover quickly when disaster strikes.