A Kelowna teen had a wish come true when he was given the opportunity to view the production of a truck from beginning to end.
Make-A-Wish Canada granted Joseph his dream of visiting the GM Oshawa Assembly Plant in late October following a challenging medical journey, where he had trouble walking.
According to Make-A-Wish Canada, the 16-year-old was diagnosed with a rare disease that affects immune cells which normally help fight infection.
For Joseph, the disease caused a tumour to develop along his spine.
“The tumour led to a spinal cord collapse and required chemotherapy treatment and a spinal stabilization surgery to repair the damaged vertebrae,” explained the organization.
Rachelle, Joseph’s mother, said that despite the initial risks of the tumour recurring, the potential development of scoliosis, and the possibility that Joseph may need a wheelchair for mobility in the future, his treatment has exceeded all expectations.
It was after this fight that Joseph began to thrive and will not need wheelchair. He was then told he qualified for a wish.
The teen had been restoring a 1985 GMC truck that was passed down through three generations of his family.
“I wanted to learn anything and everything I can about the truck,” said Joseph.
So, in October Make-A-Wish Canada put Joseph, his mother Rachelle and his best friend Zenon on a plane for Ontario.
The trio arrived at the plant for an all-day tour, where Joseph walked through the assembly process and was also allowed to try his hand in a few areas.
“I still can't believe they did all that for me,” said Joseph. “Everybody was so amazing and welcoming. I felt really special and privileged that they let me come and spend the day there. I will always be so grateful for it and will hopefully make it back there one day in my truck.”
But, the surprises didn’t end there.
Employees of the plant chipped in to purchase Joseph a hockey jersey personalized with his last name and the number 85, the year on his beloved truck.
“We were honoured to learn about Joseph’s wish to visit the GM Oshawa Assembly Plant,” said plant director Jake Currie. “Our team was dedicated to creating an unforgettable experience for him, guiding him through every step of the Chevrolet Silverado assembly process. It was a privilege to welcome Joseph and his family and to play a role in making his wish come true.”
The team also signed a t-shirt for him and gave him funds to purchase truck parts, stated Make-A-Wish.
“I have never ever seen my son so engaged and so happy,” explained Rachelle. “He was definitely in his element.”
Make-A-Wish Canada does not share the last names of the children it serves, with the public, which is why Joseph's last name was not used in this article.
