Make-A-Wish^® Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Rhode Island boy celebrates at TD Garden

MEDIA CONTACT / TO REQUEST WISH PHOTOS & VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:
Make-A-Wish:  Heather Davidson, [email protected]
 

BOSTON, MA (December 26, 2024) – On Christmas Day, Ikenna Okere, 13, of East Greenwich, RI, had his wish to go to the Boston Celtics game granted, thanks to Amica, the Boston Celtics, and Fanatics – the Official Sports Partner of Make-A-Wish – together with Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, which grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Ikenna was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in December 2023. He loves basketball – playing when he has the energy and watching when he does not, due to his ongoing treatment. He spent last Christmas in the hospital, so his wish was a chance for him to create happy holiday memories alongside his family – mom, Ruth; dad, Vivian; and sister, Olachi – who all joined him for the game. “Last year, Christmas was the lowest for us – it was not the same,” Ruth shared ahead of the game. “So fast forward to this year, it’s like coming from the valley to the top of the mountain. This is going to be one of the biggest experiences for [Ikenna] and for us.

Thanks to Amica, longtime supporter of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and an exclusive partner of the Boston Celtics, Ikenna had a true behind-the-scenes VIP experience. Ikenna and his family watched pregame warmups and had their photo taken at center court by the Celtics team photographer. They then enjoyed dinner in the Franklin Templeton Club with Cedric Maxwell, Celtics Legend and broadcaster for 98.5 The Sports Hub, the official flagship station of the Boston Celtics Radio Network. Ikenna then delivered the game ball and took his courtside seats for the game. At halftime, Ikenna visited the 98.5 The Sports Hub broadcast booth to spend time with Maxwell and Sean Grande and try his talent as a Junior Broadcaster.

Amidst a day full of highlights on and off the court, a moment that stood out for Ikenna was meeting one of his favorite players, Jayson Tatum. Tatum spent time with Ikenna pregame, signing his jersey and posing for a photo. Tatum, who has granted many wishes with Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, was moved by Ikenna’s story and the heartfelt nature of his wish.

“Amica is committed to supporting programs – like Make-A-Wish – that provide hope and joy to children facing serious illness, and we’re honored to have played a role in granting Ikenna’s wish,” said Amica President and CEO Ted Shallcross.

Ikenna and his family received custom jerseys, courtesy of Amica, and a fan pack from Fanatics.

Michael Vieira, Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island Regional Director, said that, for children like Ikenna, a wish is a necessary part of the medical treatment. “We hear time and again that the hope of looking forward to their wish helps children to be more compliant with treatment, and gives them the strength to keep fighting. Through the power of our community and partners like Amica, the Celtics, and Fanatics, we are able to give these children the gift of joy, and sometimes give them back a piece of their childhood.”

Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island is working to grant the wishes of over 650 local children who are currently eligible for and awaiting a wish. To learn more about how individuals, businesses, and community groups can help build hope for wish children this holiday season and beyond, visit www.massri.wish.org.

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About Amica
Amica is the longest-standing mutual insurer of automobiles in the U.S. A direct writer, Amica also offers home, life, marine and umbrella insurance, as well as annuities. Founded on principles of outstanding service, Amica creates peace of mind and builds enduring relationships with its customers. That mission is shared and supported by thousands of employees across the country. Visit Amica.com. 

About Make-A-Wish^® Massachusetts and Rhode Island 
Make-A-Wish^® Massachusetts and Rhode Island creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. A wish can be a spark that helps a child believe anything is possible. In the face of life-threatening medical conditions, wishes enable children to experience profound joy, renewed strength and resiliency, and lasting hope to keep striving and dreaming for the future. Together with generous supporters and 500+ volunteers, the organization has granted the wishes of more than 10,000 children in Massachusetts and Rhode Island since its founding over 40 years ago, and its vision is to grant the wish of every medically eligible child. For more information and ways to get involved, visit www.massri.wish.org.  

About Fanatics
Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with over 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, over 4,000 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including our Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.

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