Sometimes wishes do come true! They did for one young boy named Marco, thanks to California Law Enforcement’s Wish Upon a Star program. Marco, 18, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer in his right wrist and is being treated at the Children’s Hospital of Central California in Madera. Most of the fifty-five to sixty kids who are granted wishes by the Wish Upon a Star program each year are referred by the Children’s Hospital.

Recently, it was Marco’s turn to get his wish—to be the proud owner of his dad’s classic car, which badly needed refurbishing. On December 11, 2008, after six months of repairs at Above and Beyond Auto Body Repair and Paint, Marco’s wish came true. It was a day of happiness and gratitude for Marco and his family.

The work was done on a strictly volunteer basis—and it was no cakewalk. It was a challenge to find all the parts and refurbish the car.  But thanks to the generosity of Above & Beyond’s Larry Nelson and Tony Bonilla and the entire staff and the they time spent to make this a dream come true for Marco, the job was completed beautifully. They not only put their labor and guidance in this project, but knowing that they were going to make a difference in this young man’s life, they put their whole heart was in the job.

This project could not have been done without the support and kindness of Todd Trim and the help of Classic Upholstery & Trim and Todd Son, who took on the upholstery. The final touches really completed the package. Thanks to M&M Tires who took on the wheels, Promotive Auto, Inc. who did the mechanical repairs, FinishMaster Automotive & Industrial Paint who provided the paint products, and Cesare’s Collision Repair & Towing’s Gabriel Jacques for his cash donation.

Each person who worked on this classic car made a difference in this boy’s life. Every person involved in this project showed that, even with hard times in the economy, together we can make this sad old world a brighter place—one kid at a time.