Lockhart grants child’s wish

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

Several area businesses had the opportunity to come together to make a child”s fondest wish come true.
John Vega, 16, a Lockhart High School student has been battling sarcoma, a life-threatening form of cancer. Nearly a year ago, he became involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the world”s largest wish-granting organi

zation.
The foundation asked Vega to identify his greatest wish. His mother told him to be selfish.
“I said, “you”ve been through so much. Do something just for you,” Eleanor Valdes said on Tuesday.
Vega decided that his fondest wish was to have his 1986 Chevrolet pick-up truck restored.
Working under General Motors” “Make a Difference Day”as program, Glosserman Chevrolet in Lockhart adopted the project.
Jeffry Michelson, the dealership”s general manager, worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and several area businesses to make Vega”s truck better than new. The project took the help of Johnny & Sons” Paint and Body, Zapata”s Upholstery, several local auto parts stores and electronics vendors, and finished just as Vega returned to school. Throughout the project, the team photographed the truck and the work being done, and presented them to Vega in the form of a collage.
Rather than restoring the truck to its original condition, the team chose to add modifications and extra equipment.
A state-of-the-art stereo system was installed. When Vega discovered it, he immediately adjusted the sound so the bass would thump.
“It”s been hard for him,” Valdes said. “He was out of school for a long time and some of his friends have already moved on. He”s off chemotherapy now and starting to get involved in football and things. I think this will make it easier for him.”
The icing on Vega”s cake, though, was the remote starter that Michelson demonstrated before he returned the truck”s keys to the child.
“It”s pretty different from the day we towed it in here, isn”t it?” Michelson asked.
Vega was speechless.