Make-A-Wish and Valero Texas City Celebrate Wish Kid Karter Before Dream Trip to New York City 

TEXAS CITY, TEXAS (July 20, 2026) - Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, in partnership with Valero Texas City, will host a special wish celebration honoring local wish child Karter, whose long-awaited wish to visit New York City will come true this summer. 

Karter is an active, kind-hearted teenager and devoted big brother who has shown remarkable courage and resilience throughout his cancer journey. Whether he’s spending time with family, playing baseball, trading Pokémon cards, competing in cornhole, or enjoying video games, Karter approaches life with enthusiasm and determination. 

One dream that helped sustain Karter throughout treatment was the hope of visiting New York City.  

To send him off in style, Valero Texas City employees and leadership will join Make-A-Wish representatives, family members, and community supporters for a special celebration on Monday, July 20, featuring remarks, gifts and opportunities to meet Karter and hear about his journey before he departs for New York City on July 25. 

Since 2021, Valero has generously contributed more than $1.4 million to help grant life-changing wishes—supporting nearly 100 wishes for children living in their refinery communities, including 27 wishes in Houston, 23 wishes in Corpus Christi, 20 wishes in St. Charles Parish, 16 wishes in Port Arthur, and 9 wishes in Texas City. 

Karter’s wish reveal comes during the Make-A-Wish ® Summer of Wishes campaign. Summer is usually a time of fun and relaxation. However, for many wish kids and their families, there is no break from their fight against critical illness. Children go from living in freedom to living with daily fear. Confronted with extreme emotional challenges, they lose opportunities to play, travel, build friendships, and enjoy new things. With support from partners like Valero, Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana can give these children the gift of summer fun through a wish come true.  

What: Wish celebration and New York City wish reveal for Wish Kid Karter  

Who:  

  • Karter: Wish Kid  

  • Parents: Keilah and Justin  

  • Siblings: Avery (12) and Luke (11)  

  • Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Representatives (names)  

  • Vic Rhodes, Vice President and General Manager, Valero Texas City Refinery  

  • Sara Montelongo-Oyervidez, Valero Public Affairs  

When: Monday, July 20, 2026, 2 – 3 p.m.  

Where: Valero Texas City, 1301 Loop 197 South, Texas City, Texas 77590 

Media Opportunities:  

  • Interview wish kid and family, b-roll of Karter’s wish presentation and blue carpet arrival and welcome, gift presentation, photo opportunities with family, Make-A-Wish representatives and Valero employees. 

  • All media must RSVP in advance with Erin Joubert Patel at ejoubert@texgulf.wish.org to gain access to the building and receive proper credentialing.