Darrin's Wish for a Truck Re-do

Darrin loves two things: being outside and staying active. He rides dirt bikes, plays basketball, and enjoys hiking with his friends. He’s also very interested in cars. One of his most prized possessions is his blue 2004 Chevy Silverado.

When Darrin was in high school, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and he immediately began a series of treatments. It was a long and hard fight, but Darrin persevered. In 2019, a social worker that had been with Darrin through his treatment referred him to Make-A-Wish.

Darrin thought long and hard about his wish. He knew he wanted something that was impactful to not only his life, but to his family as well.

Before being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Darrin was planning on remodeling his truck with his grandfather. This truck holds sentimental value to Darrin and his family because his grandfather bought the truck when Darrin was born and gave it to him after he received his driver’s license.

“My truck is very special to me. My Papa gave me his truck a few years ago and it was also the one he bought when I was born. So many memories in this truck. What a generous gift,” Darrin said.

Unfortunately, while Darrin was undergoing treatment, his Papa passed away, so they never had the chance to remodel the truck together. This inspired Darrin’s wish to have a truck remodel.  He and his parents flew to Philadelphia to go to AmericanTrucks, who teamed up with Make-A-Wish to remodel the truck.

Darrin provided Make-A-Wish and AmericanTrucks with a specific wish list that he and his grandpa had discussed a few years ago. Some of these requests included a paint job, new rims and tires, black and white leather seats, a sound system, and black headliner and carpet.

“My original wish was to go to Hawaii. When I had the option of changing my wish, I thought about a truck makeover. I’m so grateful that I was granted this wish. My Papa was by best friend, and my wish will be honoring his memory,” Darrin said.

After AmericanTrucks finished the remodel, they had a reveal for Darrin and his family in Philadelphia. Darrin was so happy and thankful to see his new truck, with all the new features his Papa and him talked about. Darrin’s wish was more than just a truck for him, it was a way to fulfill his Papa’s legacy, and through Make-A-Wish, he was able to do that.