Kids & Family

Shopping Spree Wish Comes True For Smithtown Boy

Gary, 12, of Smithtown lives with spinal muscular atrophy.  When presented with an opportunity for a wish, he chose to go on a shopping spree.  Gary’s wish came true, courtesy of United Health Foundation and Make-A-Wish Suffolk County, New York.

United Health Foundation sponsored Gary’s wish through its national alliance with Make-A-Wish to support the organization and its mission of granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Gary and his mother, Gina, were picked up at their home by limousine Tuesday morning to go shopping at Best Buy.  Gary loves video games so he asked to go to Best Buy to shop for an Xbox.  Employees from UnitedHealthcare’s local office accompanied Gary on his shopping spree.

Find out what's happening in Smithtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We are very happy to play a role in making Gary’s shopping spree wish come true,” said Jeff Alter, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual and a board member of the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County.  “Make-A-Wish truly makes a positive impact in our communities and brings joy to so many children courageously facing life-threatening medical conditions.”

Since 2007, UnitedHealth Group has funded more than 2,136 wishes through a $7.5 million alliance with Make-A-Wish.  

Find out what's happening in Smithtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here