Like many Alabama kiddos, Carmello spent a large part of his childhood outside. He played basketball and baseball in his local leagues, loved being active, and cheered on the Auburn Tigers every chance he got.

After being diagnosed with cancer, Carmello’s life changed dramatically. Even through the chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and routine shots, his love for sports stayed the same. When Carmello was referred to Make-A-Wish Alabama, he let his passion for sports lead the way. Carmello wished to meet the Cam Newton—Auburn alum, Heisman Trophy winner, and, at the time, quarterback for the Carolina Panthers.

In April of 2017, Carmello’s wish was granted! He and his family headed off to Charlotte, North Carolina. There, they traveled with other wish families to the Bank of America Stadium where he was introduced to Cam Newton.  

While at the stadium, Carmello was directed to a locker, which contained a Panthers jersey with Newton’s number on it and Carmello’s name. After receiving their jersey, the kids got to experience running plays with the star quarterback himself. They ran pass patterns, football drills, and more right there in the stadium. Carmello even caught one of Newton’s passes, which, for a kid like Carmello, is an experience not soon forgotten.

After spending the day at the stadium, Cam Newton took the wish kids with him to throw the first pitch at a Charlotte Knights baseball game. Newton brought the kids out on the field with him to join in on this amazing experience. 

Meeting his hero was an experience Carmello will never forget—his mom Skylar even remarked after returning home that “he was in heaven” all day.

Childhood should be a carefree and joyful time, but for kids with critical illnesses, it can turn into anything but that. When you support Make-A-Wish Alabama, you give kids like Carmello a piece of that childhood back.

Together, we are transforming lives, one wish at a time.