UPS Delivers Dream for Boy With Leukemia
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
STOCKTON, Calif. — For a 6-year-old Stockton, Calif., boy who is battling leukemia, dreams do come true.
“We are doing something very special for him, so I think that he 100% deserves it and this is something unique for him,” said Josh Needles, president of UPS’ Northern California district.
It was all through the Make-A-Wish foundation wish-fulfillment program, which works to make dreams come true for children diagnosed with a critical illness.
Mateo helps UPS driver Dave Cundari load packages into a UPS truck. (Clifford Otto/The Stockton Record)
“What’s amazing to see today is just such a vibrant child with so much resilience and just so excited just to be a part of something that is, you know, what a typical 6-year-old should be doing, dreaming about being a deliveryman,” said Jennifer Stolo, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Northeast & Central California & Northern Nevada chapter.
The morning was full of surprises for Mateo.
A UPS delivery driver, who arrived in uniform with his truck, presented him with a uniform and a video showing UPS body-shop employees, working on a personalized UPS truck just for him.
He will receive it on May 6.
“This is fantastic what they are doing. I mean they don’t even know Mateo,” said Mateo’s grandmother, Debbie Loughlin.
“They didn’t before all of this and to do all of this for him, all these people that got together and did all of this, it’s fantastic. He will remember this forever. He will remember this when he’s my age.”
Mateo unloads a UPS truck. (Clifford Otto/The Stockton Record)
Mateo put on his custom UPS uniform, got his shoes polished like a true UPS deliveryman and picked out gifts that he will later deliver to his mother, father and grandmother. He also helped wrap the gifts and load them into a waiting UPS truck for storage.
“He’s always been happy seeing UPS drivers, FedEx, the mailman. He loves seeing them pass by,” said Mateo’s father, Hugo Toscano.
Mateo is also featured in Macy’s nationwide roundup campaign, featured on in-store signage, at macy’s.com and on the Macy’s mobile app.
At the end of the celebration, Mateo said that his wish came true and that he was “really excited.”
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing below or go here for more info:
