On a cool November evening, 15 year old Matthew sat in his Rockland County living room, watching the New York Rangers pre-game show, grinning ear-to-ear.  The Wish Kid – who’s endured 11 surgeries and countless treatments – turned to his aunt and said:

“I have an amazing life, don’t I?”

Granted, the Blueshirts were on a winning streak.  But Matthew had a different reason to smile.  He was still basking in the glory of one of the most incredible wish experiences of all-time.

Wish Granters Donna and Christie met with him in April 2007, and there was little doubt.  The life-long Rangers fan chose the only wish that made sense: to meet NHL legend – and captain of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champions – Mark Messier.

Matthew’s wish came to the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of the Hudson Valley with near-perfect timing.  It arrived just a few weeks before the chapter’s annual Gala – at which the Garden of Dreams Foundation would be honored.  So the question wasn’t IF the wish could be granted, but HOW to make it unforgettable.

Later that year, Matthew and his family came to the Wish House to meet staff of the Garden of Dreams and the New York Rangers.  Everyone had a great time eating pizza and getting to know each other.  But our Garden friends were already at work, tailoring a wish just the way Matthew would dream it.  They told him Mark would invite him to a game later that year.  The family went home with palpable anticipation – and as they left, all the “wish team” members grinned and winked at each other.  The Von Dollens had no idea the surprises about to be unleashed.

A few weeks later, as Matthew napped on the couch, the phone rang.  He was tired, so he decided to let the answering machine get it.

Beep!  “Uh, hi, this is Mark Messier, and I’d like to invite Matthew to a Rangers game…”  His eyes bulged and he leaped from his seat, grabbing the phone just in time.  He chatted with Mark like old buddies: hockey, health (“how’s your shoulder, Mark?”), and old times (they talked once before – Mark remembered!).  Finally, Mark asked him to be his guest at a Ranger game on Monday, November 5.

And there was more winking and grinning.  In the weeks that followed, the Wish Department peppered Matthew’s mom, Kathy, with odd questions.  Who’s his favorite Ranger now?  Does he wear glasses?  What’s his shoe size?  But the most puzzling: Can your family be ready for the wish – on Friday, November 2?  “But that’s 3 days before the game!” she said.  There were a few surprises in store for Matthew – and like a good Wish Mom, she went along with it.
So for the rest of the weekend, Matthew addressed every surprise, every unexpected magic trick with his trademark slogan: “Sweet!”

Friday, a limo took them to the Rangers’ practice facility, where he met all the players, the coach, and got personalized skates and every autographed item you could fit in a limo’s trunk

Sunday, his limo driver came back to Rockland County and this time brought them to midtown Manhattan.  After they settled into the glamorous Affinia Hotel, they strolled across the street to the Garden – to the New York Knicks’ shoot-around and home opener.

And on the big day – maybe the biggest day in Matthew’s life – the sun rose and the fun started.  He got a behind-the-scenes tour of Radio City Music Hall, and enjoyed a private suite at ESPN Zone.  When they returned, waiting in their hotel room were red and blue balloons – surrounding five bright, authentic New York Rangers #11 jerseys, all with the Von Dollen name on the back.

They put on their jerseys and headed out.  As they stood on Seventh Avenue, the Garden seemed different.  They – and the thousands of New Yorkers whizzing by on 7th Avenue – saw the words “Matthew – Welcome to Your Wish Day” on the world famous Garden marquee!

Passing below the board that now bore his name, Matthew was escorted inside and waited for his Garden tour guide.  It turned out to be a great one – Mark Messier!  They explored every nook of the World’s Most Famous Arena – even Mark’s old locker.  And when the tour was over, Mark asked Matthew to take a seat – on the Rangers’ bench, as the team took the ice for warm ups!

More escorting – this time to Mark’s personal luxury suite!  From then on, it was hard to tell who was the bigger VIP.  Everyone – former Rangers, sports announcers, movie stars – stopped in to meet the Hall of Famer – and his new friend!  Mark made Matthew feel welcome, safe and important at every moment – especially as an announcement was made to the 18,000 fans, and the spotlight shone on the pair of stars!

That magical night did come to an end.  But the magic continued.  Matthew’s wish – including an interview he did with Mark – was featured on the MSG Network show, “Inside the Rangers”.  It launched Matthew to celebrity status!  To this day, you can’t come to a play date or party without someone wanting to meet the new #11.

So maybe Matthew’s life is a little different, since the exciting days of his wish.  He was amazing to us anyway – and to his amazing family.  But here at The Wish House, together with the Garden of Dreams, we hope we were able to add a little surprise, a little fun – and yes, a little “sweetness” – to an amazing teenager.