Andrew Age 9 New Sharon, Maine Andrew wishes to have an XBox Live

"I came into Andrew's wish a bit late. I don't know everything about the wish but this is a recap as I saw it. Andrew is a spunky nine-year-old boy who endures chemo treatments every few weeks. The chemo treatments are made more difficult because of testing that has to occur the day before the treatments. This testing process has been painful in the past and Andrew literally drives himself crazy as the day approaches.

Andrew lives with his grandfather, Cary, in New Sharon. Andrew loves to play games, especially electronic games. His wish was to be able to play his Xbox game over the internet, online against other kids. Each time we went to visit he kept asking why it was taking so long to get this wish in motion. When the wish day was finally set, we told Andrew we were coming to take him to lunch because he was being so patient waiting for the wish to come together. He had no idea what the day would bring.

Because we needed to get into the house, on a weekend, without Andrew around, we arranged for them to stay at a local hotel for a night of pizza and swimming. Off went Andrew, Cary and two friends to the hotel. Back at the house, Andrew's uncle Chris stayed behind, emptied out Andrews’s bedroom and opened up the house to Make-A-Wish volunteers and the Geek Squad! In came a television stand, Playstation III, Wii, surround sound system, lots and lots of games and a flat screen television. While Kate Vickery worked feverishly (and I mean that in all definitions of the word), the Geek Squad started their magic. The number of connections, cables and remote control would have freaked out any one. It did me!

The limo arrived at the house mid-morning, Emma and I filled it with balloons, Uncle Chris and friend, then we headed off to the hotel to pick up the family. We asked the limo driver, Vick, to go in and get the family. Andrew was ready and noticed the limo outside the hotel, he was thrilled it was for him. We drove around town for a bit. Andrew saw his name on the marquee at McDonalds wishing him a great wish day. We drove to the Granary Restaurant where again a wish message was on their marquee. Once inside, as the menus were being passed around, the Granary told Andrew he could have whatever he wanted. Whatever? Yes! Of course Andrew chose lobster and was really hoping for some hot butter to go with it. He wasn't disappointed. As we waited for our meal, the Granary also gave Andrew a lot of coins so he could play as many games in their game room as he wanted. Andrew and friend Megan had a ball! Dinner was delicious. Back into the limo we started to take the family home, convincing Andrew that we would soon be back to grant his wish.

On the way home, Andrew asked if we could drive through the car dealership where his grandfather worked. On your wish day, all your wishes get granted so off we went into the dealership. Andrew is buddies with the guys there and they came out to greet him. Finally, we were on the road again only to pass another marquee wishing Andrew a great wish day. We had taken lots of pictures during the limo drive and at dinner. Once we got home, I asked Andrew to please let me take a nice picture of Andrew and his granddad. Andrew says sure, but I really have to use the bathroom first. So off runs Andrew, when he comes out he is carrying an empty Playstation III box. He then realizes he has been fooled. The look on his face was priceless.

He runs up the stairs and into his room where he is greeted by the Geek Squad ready to give him a few lessons in how to operate all his new toys. Andrew checked out everything. He was a little overcome with everything but quickly pulled together and joked about us fooling him. After a few lessons from the Geek Squad he started playing Wii and other games. He did let the Wii win the first few games but he soon started getting the hang of it. The wireless internet access (his main wish) didn't reach up to his room but that was quickly fixed the next day. It surely wasn't for lack of trying. Kate was amazing in her efforts to get this ready for Andrew. Andrew was totally amazed with everything.

On our follow up visit, Cary mentioned that Andrew only came out of his room for food, school and bathroom breaks. Sending this kid to his room, if he was acting up, was no longer going to work. Andrew now slept in the midst of an electronic game world. The games certainly keep Andrew busy. The days leading up to his chemo treatments used to be dark, lonely and scary. Now they are full of fun and games and lots on online friends.

We wish Andrew and Cary the best of everything."

-Wish Granter Cathy Langlais

Wish Granters: Cathy Langlais and Emma Leeman