HOUSTON, Texas—A little boy facing a life-threatening illness enjoyed the wish of his life meeting NASCAR driver, Ricky Carmichael, through Kids Wish Network.
One of eight-year-old Luis’ favorite things to do is to watch motorcycles and NASCAR races on television. When a Kids Wish Network professional fundraiser called Luis’ mother, Miryam, she had no idea that this one phone call would bring the excitement of racing right to her amazing little boy.
At eighteen months old, Luis was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. SMA is a motor neuron disease that affects all of the muscles in the body. Just last year, Luis suffered through two surgeries for muscle weakness. He is also confined to a wheelchair, needs constant assistance, and must endure frequent breathing treatments.
Once Miryam told the Kids Wish Network representative about her little boy and his situation, it didn’t take long for them to get Wish Coordinator, Jen, and Wish Funding Specialist, Doris, on the case. While Luis told Jen about his wish to meet his racing hero, Carmichael, Doris was speaking to some very special sponsors about making the little boy’s dream come true.
When it came time for his wish to be granted, Jen arranged not just the meeting with his favorite NASCAR driver, but also an entire weekend of high-octane racing fun for Luis and his family!
The timing for Luis’ wish couldn’t have been better; only a week following his eighth birthday, Luis got to meet his hero, Ricky Carmichael, prior to watching him compete in a race at the Texas Motor Speedway! “It was the perfect birthday present,” said Miryam. “He was very excited and really happy.”
Once Luis and his family arrived at the track, they were escorted all around the garage areas where Luis marveled at all of the cars, drivers, and pit crews. He was truly thrilled, but even this excitement was overshadowed when he finally met Ricky Carmichael.
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