As 17-year-old Marco arrived home after school, he was greeted by a few staff members from Make-A-Wish Colorado, a table covered with his favorite foods (Oreo’s, chocolate milk and Raising Cane’s) and all the items to fulfill his PlayStation 5 (PS5) shopping spree wish. Marco, who is battling cancer, was overwhelmed with excitement, stating, “I can’t believe this is happening. I’ve been waiting for this for so long. It’s surreal.”

When Marco, an avid soccer enthusiast, first learned that he would be granted a wish by Make-A-Wish Colorado, he wished to go to UEFA EURO 2021. After the EURO 2020 was postponed until June 2021 due to COVID-19, he changed his wish to a virtual PS5 shopping spree. That wish proved to be almost as difficult to grant as traveling to an international soccer match during a pandemic. Fueled by a $10,000 grant from Bristol Myers Squibb, the wish granters at Make-A-Wish Colorado continued to search for a PS5 for Marco, despite such high demand for the newly released gaming system. Then a supporter heard about the nonprofit’s search and donated a brand-new PS5. Marco’s wish granters utilized part of the grant from Bristol Myers Squibb to purchase a gaming chair, television, hardware and games to deck out a full gaming room for Marco – as well as new soccer gear so that Marco could enjoy his favorite outdoor activity when he wasn’t gaming.

Thanks to partners like Partners like Bristol Myers Squibb, wishes like Marco’s are possible! Marco’s new PlayStation 5 will bring joy and allow him to make memories with his family and friends that will last a lifetime.