Idris, an outgoing 9-year-old with congenital heart disease from Chicago, loves riding the train with his grandpa and family. He knows every stop!

Diagnosed with a congenital heart condition at birth, Idris has endured several surgeries and procedures to treat his illness. When he learned that he could ask for anything he wanted from Make-A-Wish, he immediately shared that he wanted to be an operator of one of Chicago's famous CTA elevated trains.

Make-A-Wish enlisted the help of the Chicago Transit Authority who made it official - Idris would be an operator on the Green Line, the train closest to his home that ferries riders from Chicago's west side to the Loop.

It was an incredible day as a special CTA charter train on the Green Line pulled up to his stop full of well-wishers, including some of his medical providers, riding just for him. As friends and family boarded the train, Idris received his official uniform and met his co-operator for the day. Soon the train was on its way with Idris riding right up front for his on-the job training.

With a wide smile, he learned all about the important work of being a CTA operator and made several announcements to the riders. He shared this excitement with his brother as he invited him to make announcements too.

With a special stop to meet his fans from the CTA operations team and the news media, Idris guided the train around Chicago's Loop one more time before leaving to yet another group of supporters from Make-A-Wish sponsor GATX, a company with their own ties to the railroads.

The day ended with a celebration in Union Station's Great Hall with family and friends. His mom Catherine shared that having the support of the community and people like Make-A-Wish, her generous employer and the medical staff was so important as they family dealt with his health challenges.

"I'm overwhelmed with joy and excitement," Catherine said. "He is surrounded by a lot of love today."

Despite the many challenges he's faced, according to his mom, right now Idris is in a great place health wise. Whenever Idris jumps on the train in the future, he is sure to have warm feelings of this day filled with joy, love and support.