It’s an arduous road of hospitalizations, infusions and aggressive rounds of chemotherapy but Charlie is a fighter. When he was first diagnosed, his dad got him a Nintendo Switch to help distract and entertain him when he was in the hospital getting treatments or at home feeling weak and sick afterward. Charlie fell in love with video games, even dressing as his favorite character for Halloween and decorating his room with the same theme.  

Along with his passion for Nintendo, Charlie also loves golf carts. His grandparents live on a golf course and every time he visits, golf cart rides are the highlight of the trip. His greatest wish was to have a custom golf cart because he wants to ride it to school, which is just a few blocks away, when he starts kindergarten.

She continues, "It's been a tough couple of years. This wish marks the occasion of starting school. It’s getting to be a normal kid and doing the stuff that he missed out on."

It was a beautiful day at the local park where his friends, family and Make-A-Wish supporters gathered for the big unveiling. Blindfolded until the big reveal, Charlie knew his wish was coming true, but he had no idea that his favorite video game would come alive as the theme of his new golf cart.

A naturally shy kid, Charlie tried to hold back his excitement but the cutest little smile appeared as he saw his golf cart. Featuring a one-of-a-kind Nintendo game themed paint job, the street-legal 2023 Yamaha golf cart is customized with 14” gold wheels, a sound system, LED lighting, enhanced suspension and handling, and room for four passengers. He celebrated with a picnic of pizza and cupcakes, while taking turns cruising around with his friends and family in his new ride.

"It’s heartwarming to see him smiling and happy where there are a lot of days when he is not. He's enjoying himself and not thinking about anything else.” 

Wish Granters: Fran Garfunkel & Jessica Rivera
Referred by Bryan Maloney, his father
Wish adopted by UBS Financial Services

Charlie’s wish is the 14,000^th granted by the Southern Florida chapter since 1983. Make-A-Wish Southern Florida is just the fifth Make-A-Wish chapter in the world to reach this milestone.