4-Year-Old Ashland Boy Lives His Dream To Be A Garbage Truck Driver Thanks To Make-A-Wish

What's your dream? Well, a 4-year-old Ashland boy lives his dream to be a garbage truck driver, thanks to Make-A-Wish. What an exciting opportunity for this young boy named Alan, who got to learn from the professionals and "work" the garbage truck route in his hometown of Ashland.

Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. A wish can be a spark that helps a child believe anything is possible. In the face of life-threatening medical conditions, wishes enable children to experience profound joy, renewed strength and resiliency, and lasting hope to keep striving and dreaming for the future. Together with generous supporters and 500+ volunteers, the organization has granted the wishes of over 10,000 children in Massachusetts and Rhode Island since its founding 40 years ago, and its vision is to grant the wish of every medically eligible child. For more information, visit Make-A-Wish.  

Alan is a 4-year-old from Ashland and was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Alan’s dream was to become a garbage truck driver for a day, and thanks to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, that dream came true. Alan’s parents said that he’s always been fascinated by the process of trash collection and even dressed up as a garbage man for Halloween. He was recently able to spend his special day on a trash route in his hometown of Ashland, and learn from the professionals. Alan was not only granted his wish, but allowed him to feel the support and love of his community who came out to see Alan on his route. 4-Year-Old Ashland Boy Lives His Dream To Be A Garbage Truck Driver Thanks To Make-A-Wish

“Coming around the corner to see how many people were here, that moment will definitely stick in my mind,” said Alan’s mother, Lola. “This has been amazing, just to take a day to not think about anything else and just celebrate Alan,” she told the crowd. “It’s been tough, our medical journey, and what Alan and Theo deal with having cystic fibrosis. We want to thank the Make-A-Wish team, the WM team, and everyone else who made today possible, as well as the boys’ care team at Boston Children’s Hospital.”

Thanks to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts & Rhode Island for this behind-the-scenes look at Alan's big day.

4-Year-Old Ashland Boy Lives His Dream To Be A Garbage Truck Driver Thanks To Make-A-Wish

The annual One Mission Buzz Off took place at Gillette Stadium over the weekend. The event, which usually takes place in June each year, is held annually to raise money for kids fighting cancer. One Mission has been instrumental over the years, helping kids through their cancer battles. According to One Mission's website: Whether it’s providing arts and crafts, putting on birthday parties and holiday celebrations, or paying for expensive hospital parking, we make life brighter for kids fighting cancer from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond."

One Mission is an organization founded by Ashley Haseotes and her husband Ari. They founded One Mission in 2009 after their son Nicholas, was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia.  Nicholas had to endure 188 days of cancer treatment. It was during that time, Ashley noticed there were several things she'd love to change about the hospital stays.  It is this where the foundation of One Mission began.

Each year the Buzz Off raises thousands of dollars. Over the 15 years the Buzz Off has been in existence, they have raised over $17 million. This is thanks to all of the volunteers who donate their time.

Matthew Judon from the Patriots shaved some of their top fundraisers. He is amazing. Every year he volunteers his time. The great thing is, you really can't screw it up.

Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon joins Melissa and Ramiro for the One Mission Buzz Off