I wish to have a Formula 1 race experience
Walker
16
lymphoma
Walker's Wish to have a Formula 1 Race Experience
Ready, Set, Race!
Sixteen-year-old Walker’s love for fast cars was destined before he was born. His parents have been involved in the world of motorsports for decades – his Dad owns an American specialty vehicle company and Mom is a reporter focused on the automotive world. That collective passion was handed down to Walker from the beginning starting with being gifted a baby-sized Ferrari driving suit as an infant! He was captivated by motorsport throughout his life but during his cancer treatment, Walker started to focus on Formula 1. He would keep his spirits up watching races online. During this time, a rookie was coming up the ranks for Team Red Bull, Max Verstappen. He became Walker’s favorite driver when he saw him grow from a rookie to a top driver who won the last Grand Prix in the Netherlands.
From the first time we talked to Walker, he said that he wished to go to a Formula 1 race. We unfortunately had to postpone the wish due to COVID travel restrictions, but Walker patiently waited. Once we were able to safely deliver his wish, we got on a Zoom call with Walker and his parents. When we revealed to Walker that he was going to the Formula 1 race in Austin, Texas, his whole face lit up and he could not hold in his excitement. Since the family are big fans of racing, we did a trivia quiz with mom, dad, and Walker on their Formula 1 knowledge. Of course, Walker got the most questions right!
Walker and his mom flew out for the three-day event at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin. They met up with their Make-A-Wish guides at COTA and were transported around the arena by golf cart with VIP access! They spent the weekend seeing multiple practices and Walker even got to try an F1 simulator. The most memorable moment was when Walker got to see his favorite driver, Max, on the track and he waved at Walker! On the last day, Max won by a 1.3 second lead and Walker’s wish came true! Walker told his mom, “My wish was to attend a Grand Prix for the first time and watch my hero win, which is exactly what happened.” Walker’s Mom shared that he will always remember this life-changing weekend when his hero received his first-place trophy!
Despite the pandemic, Make-A-Wish has never stopped granting wishes. For kids like Walker, wishes are even more important than ever. They provide hope, joy and strength during a child’s challenging journey to recovery from critical illness.