The 13-year-old from East Greenwich, RI, loves basketball – playing when he has the energy and watching when he does not, due to his ongoing treatment for leukemia. After being diagnosed in December 2023, he spent Christmas that year in the hospital, so his wish to go to the 2024 Christmas day Boston Celtics game was a chance for him to create happy holiday memories alongside his family.

Thanks to Amica, longtime supporter of Make-A-Wish^® Massachusetts and Rhode Island and an exclusive partner of the Boston Celtics, Ikenna’s experience included many highlights. Before the game, he watched warmups, met Jayson Tatum, and had center court photos taken with his family -- and Celtics Legend Cedric Maxwell introduced himself to Ikenna by way of photobombing the family photo! Maxwell, who is also a broadcaster for 98.5 The Sports Hub, invited Ikenna and his family to join him for dinner before the game.

After memorable dinner conversation, Ikenna was escorted onto the court to present the game ball and then he and his family watched the game courtside. At halftime, Ikenna visited Maxwell in the 98.5 The Sports Hub broadcast booth and tried out his talents as a Junior Broadcaster.

“Last year, Christmas was the lowest for us – Ikenna was in so much pain,” Ikenna’s mom Ruth shared. “So fast forward to this year, it’s like coming from the valley to the top of the mountain.”

“It was unbelievable,” said Ikenna, who said the day ranks as his number one Christmas.

Thank you to our friends at Amica, the Boston Celtics, and Fanatics – the Official Sports Partner of Make-A-Wish – for helping to create a Christmas full of joy for Ikenna and his family.

MORE FROM IKENNA'S WISH:

Watch media coverage

• WCVB: Wish of boy, 13, to attend Celtics' Christmas game comes true, meets Tatum
• WBZ: Boston Celtics and Make-a-Wish give teen with leukemia the VIP treatment at game

Read full details in our media release