Fourteen-year-old Matthew has a big heart, an abiding faith in God, and much to give to the world. People who come to know him are touched by his mature and unassuming attitude. His mother, Socorro, says “Matthew is my biggest blessing in life, and I’m the luckiest mom in the world to have him. He really touches people’s lives.” Like many boys his age, Matthew enjoys hanging out with friends and family and playing video games. He also loves the sport of ice hockey and riding ATVs.

When Matthew was diagnosed with a brain tumor, he was contacted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah. Upon learning that he would be able to have a wish granted, Matthew humbly accepted, yet wondered why he was being chosen when other people have struggles too. As a result of riding 4-wheelers with his father, Matthew had always dreamed of owning his very own ATV one day. Naturally, this was his wish, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation sought a creative way to make that happen.

The perfect opportunity arose to blend Matthew’s love of hockey with his love of ATVs. The Utah Grizzlies teamed up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to host Hockey For Wishes, an evening dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the Foundation. Matthew was in attendance, but had no idea that he would soon be the star on the ice. He was surprised and thrilled when he got VIP treatment and was escorted behind the scenes to receive a hockey stick from one of the players and get pictures alongside the Grizzlies mascot with his mom and dad. It was the experience of a lifetime for him, but the real surprise was yet to come.

At halftime, Matthew was escorted onto the ice in front of all the spectators when the Vice President of the Grizzlies suddenly darted out from the tunnel in a brand new Polaris RZR ATV! Realizing that his wish had been granted, an elated Matthew ran up to it with a scream of delight and a smile on his face. He was then given a ride in his new ATV around the rink as the crowed cheered. His mother later said, “The whole experience was better than I could have ever imagined for Matthew.”

Since that magical day, Matthew has been taking meticulous care of his ATV, keeping it covered during inclement weather and cleaning it often. He rides for hours in the backyard and talks about his ATV every day. His mother says the ATV has helped him to become more responsible. Already, Matthew has purchased an ATV trailer with money he had been saving, and is planning on taking an upcoming ATV safety course so he and his mother can hit some trails in Moab. He has also asked if he can use his ATV to help out with a church carnival this summer.

Matthew recently saw an advertisement about the Make-A-Wish Foundation on TV. Always the kind soul, he reflected back on how wonderful his own experience had been, and expressed a desire to donate some of his money to the Foundation to benefit other kids who have been faced with difficulties. There is no doubt that Matthew and his family are deeply grateful to all those involved in making this wish come true.

Wish Granters: Debbie Olsen, Kelly Christiansen, Sarah Nilson
Wish Sponsor: Ropin’ For Wishes