UAW-GM make dreams come true

The membership and leadership of Local 2406 helped make Isaiah’s wish come true.

A four-year old boy who’s fighting cancer dreamed of having his own computer, and the UAW and General Motors made his wish come true.

The two partners in numerous community projects joined hands in joint sponsorship of the Make-A-Wish Foundation on behalf of little Isaiah and many more children like him. Over the next three years, UAW-GM will be making a financial commitment to granting wishes to children across the country, in recognition of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s milestone of granting 80,000 wishes worldwide in their 20 years of service. The UAW-GM sponsorship represents the largest commitment in the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s history.

Local 2406, a new GM-SPO facility in Memphis, Tenn., was contacted by the local chapter of Make-A-Wish in fulfillment of this unique sponsorship. Local union officials and GM management worked hand in hand with the foundation to host the granting of a child’s wish.

The beautiful spring day could not have been more perfect. The guest of honor excitedly rode with his parents to the distribution center with 10 Memphis motorcycle policemen leading a convoy of GM trucks. Because Isaiah’s father is an over-the-road truck driver, this was a special treat for the child who has a love for trucks. There was no stopping at red lights for this VIP of the day.

From left to right are Bill Trenshaw, shop chairman, Thad Perrin, committeeman, Lee Thomas, president, and Jim Jackson, vice president.

Make-A-Wish Foundation families and volunteers, friends, and UAW-GM employees and their families awaited Isaiah. The parking lot was transformed into a carnival atmosphere with a huge tent, an elephant moon bounce, a snow-cone pavilion, hot dogs, popcorn, and cold beverages. Children and adults alike were entertained with clowns and balloon animals, face painting, a ring toss, and other games. Isaiah was very surprised to be greeted by his grandparents whom he hadn’t seen in months. They had flown in from Florida to share this special day with him.

But Isaiah’s best surprise was yet to come. When a GM truck pulled away, behind it was a brand new computer, complete with all the accessories. This young boy’s wishes had come true. With Isaiah’s dream fulfilled, the day was a joyous event for all.

Isaiah is receiving treatment in a local Memphis children’s hospital and is responding well. He will never forget the special day that the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with the generosity of UAW-GM, made possible for him.

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