I wish for a vehicle customization!
Christian
15
cancer
Christian's Car Customization Wish
It happened seemingly out of the blue. Christian was a normal 15-year-old on his school’s Junior Varsity basketball team, when he took a bad fall during practice. Complaining of back pain, he had his parents take him to the doctor to see what was wrong.
That visit changed everything.
An MRI showed a large nodule on Christian’s thyroid and a biopsy uncovered every parent’s worst nightmare. While his back was fine, Christian was now facing a much more serious battle—thyroid cancer.
Revved Up!
“When he first got diagnosed, my wife and I were freaking out,” says dad Kevin. “I can only imagine what was going through his mind at such a young age. [But] he took the diagnosis better than we did.”
Just one month after his diagnosis, Christian had the remainder of his thyroid removed and went through a dose of radiation. It was a difficult time for everyone, but one thing that kept Christian going was Make-A-Wish.
“It took him a while to think of stuff [to wish for] and at the same time he was getting his driving permit,” Kevin says. “So he said, ‘Hey, if I buy a car, would Make-A-Wish do mods to it?’”
Christian purchased a 2014 red Mustang—which he named Scarlet—and immediately threw himself into the plans for modifying it. He brought his ideas to the auto body experts at Ultimate Auto and they were able to steer him in the right direction.
Once the work was done, it was finally time for Christian to see his new ride!
The Star Of the Show
The day of the reveal held surprise after surprise for Christian. He showed up at Ultimate Auto ready to see a new and improved Scarlet, only to find himself the star of a luxury car show!
For dad Kevin and mom Theresa, this was the best moment of the experience:
"They invited a lot of their VIP clients to bring out their Lamborghinis or Aston Martins, a whole bunch of very nice cars. One of the guys let him take a ride in his Lamborghini that night. Everyone was very supportive and cheering him on."
In addition to new—larger—tires, Scarlet was decked out with matte black rims and matching front grill and her body was lowered for a tighter drive. In addition to a new body kit and exhaust, the Mustang also received a new leather interior.
For an extra personal touch, Christian got to pick out the design of the interior leather and even had the word “Scarlet” engraved on the driver’s seat. Now, he’s ready to get his license in December!
Reaching The Finish Line
For Christian, having a wish granted was more than just an impressive new set of wheels. It served as the finish line at the end of a long and difficult road.
“When his wish was granted, he had other things to focus on and he was happier,” says Kevin. “He was researching car parts and modifications and going back and forth talking with Ultimate Auto. His spirits were raised.”
Another thing that raised his spirits throughout treatment? A new girlfriend, Payton, who Christian met shortly after diagnosis. “She was a big support during that time,” says Kevin. “It was perfect timing.”
According to philosopher Immanuel Kant, happiness lies in having “something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for.” And now, Christian has all three.
Just by notifying them that their wish will be granted, Make-A-Wish is able to give critically ill children hope for the future. If you would like to be a part of this life-changing mission, consider donating, volunteering, or attending an event. We’d love to hear from you!
