A Milford boy with a genetic condition got sports merchandise during a private shopping spree before meeting Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Chris, 10, has a progressive genetic condition that has left him with 17 surgeries and daily pain, Make-A-Wish said.
“His parents describe his mindset as one of gratitude and strength, and he is drawn to David Ortiz because he sees similarities between the resilience each of them has and their shared ability to help others feel better,” the foundation added in a statement.
The young boy admires Big Papi for his charisma, positivity, kindness, and charitable work, Make-A-Wish said.
Before Chris and Ortiz met on Aug. 16 at the Javits Center in New York, the boy had some shopping to do.
Fanatics, a sports apparel company, allowed Chris to privately shop in its superstore in New York City during Fanatics Fest NYC, a major sporting event, the Make-A-Wish Foundation said.
At the Fanatics Superstore, he shopped for official sports merchandise and exclusive Fanatic Fest apparel from several sports stores including Lids, Topps, and Mitchell & Ness, Make-A-Wish said.
The young boy then had a private meet-and-greet with Big Papi, and had a VIP seat during the baseball player’s Character Counts panel with Derek Jeter, a former New York Yankee baseball player, Make-A-Wish said.
Afterward, Chris got to make a custom hat at the Lids booth, shop for Mitchell & Ness gear, and get his own Topps trading cards from Fanatics, the Make-A-Wish Foundation said.
Another child, who was also named Chris, but who hailed from Miami, met Tom Brady, the foundation added.
This child had a private meet-and-greet with the former New England Patriots quarterback and got some sports advice from him.
Both kids and their families also got tickets to the Fanatics Fest weekend, where they could meet over 75 athletes and celebrities, Make-A-Wish said.
The families also had a chance to be a part of “immersive activations” — marketing techniques that immerse people in virtual reality spaces — and get memorabilia and exclusive items.
