Meet Our Wish Kids

Sixteen-year-old Alex was diagnosed with cancer in his right leg. He had many months of chemo ahead of him, including surgery. When volunteers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation questioned Alex about his greatest wish, he replied that he would like to be CEO of General Motors and share his car designs with the company's executives and engineers.

With the assistance of General Motors and sponsorship from UAW-GM, Alex split his new job responsibilities between New York City and Detroit. His first day on the job came on Wall Street for the ceremonial opening of the stock market. Then off to Detroit, where he reported to work at the GM World Headquarters. The young executive received an official employee badge and business cards identifying him as CEO.

Alex had lunch with the GM Design team where they reviewed Alex's car designs. Later, the designers surprised him with full-color, computerized 3-D images and a clay model of his design, which Alex received as a souvenir.

Alex was incredulous as he reflected on his wish. He explained, "Of all the wishes I thought about,” he said, “I never believed this one could really happen. But it really came true! Not only was it the thrill of my life, but it's going to help me in planning my future."