What’s Up Northwest had the opportunity to be in attendance for five-year-old Tommy’s train conductor test day. Who’s Tommy and what test? It all happened on National Believe Day when Macy’s teamed up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to invite ‘Believers’ to make more wishes come true.
Believe Day also celebrates Macy’s Believe campaign, during which children of all ages are encouraged to write letters to Santa and drop them off at their local Macy’s. For each letter to Santa received from now through Christmas Eve, Macy’s will donate $1, up to $1 million to Make-A-Wish to help grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. It’s a great way for families with kids of all ages to get in the holiday spirit and support a great cause! Check out Tommy’s Story and look for links at the end of how you can still help Make-A-Wish before Christmas Eve.
In Seattle, five-year-old Tommy, who was diagnosed with leukemia, was surrounded by family when he arrived at the downtown Seattle Macy’s drop off his letter to Santa. Tommy is waiting for his wish to be a train conductor. During Believe Day, Tommy was there to take a “test” to become a train conductor. It’s all part of the set-up for his wish day that’s coming up in February.
Tommy had four stations – each with a task for him to complete and check off as he got closer to his goal. From gathering magic coal to visiting the train display, Tommy met each station and jumped right to each task.
The last station was with Santa himself – who was marvelous with Tommy (and why not, he’s Santa!) as he talked with Tommy and asked him the final questions.
Tommy also then answered a few more questions sent in from BNSF Railroad – which he passed with flying colors! At that moment, it was official and receiving his conductor’s hat – Tommy is all ready for the next step coming in February when he will be a real conductor on a train. We hope to bring you an update in 2017.
It was an amazing and positive day and Macy’s and Make-A-Wish provided a smooth flowing event. Tommy was a bright and happy little boy through it all.
As everything was drawing to a close, we had the opportunity to speak with Tommy’s mom and asked what has going through all this with Tommy meant to her, especially today? Her answer summed up a great morning.
“Dealing with a very sick little boy and all his treatments, he is always so positive and happy, Today is a just a sample of how Tommy is and I am very grateful to Make-A-Wish providing this opportunity for him. He has taught me to find the joy in many difficult situations. Today was a happy day.”
There is time to still get YOUR letter to Santa – either in-store or online. For every letter received now through Saturday, Dec. 24, Macy’s will donate $1, up to $1 million, to Make-A-Wish. In these last days before Christmas – consider clicking the link and help Macy’s inspire more ‘believers’ and make more wishes come true this year.
