From The Philadelphia are Make A Wish Foundation website:
Dear Donna,
I want to thank you and the Make-A-Wish Foundation on my behalf and
the behalf of my family for making John's wish come true. His wish was
to meet and sing with Clay Aiken. On July 30th, 2004, his wish came
true. When we arrived at Caesars, we were met by Steven, a volunteer from the
Make-A-Wish Foundation. He showed us where to receive our tickets and
meet n' greet passes. Once we received what we needed, we were put into
a long line for the meet n' greet. Jerome, Clay's bodyguard, made
sure we were at the end of the line so John would get to spend a little
extra time with Clay. As the groups before us finished up with their
meet n' greets, Clay walked up to John. He mentioned how he remembered
John from New York at Good Morning America. We told Clay about how John
does everything he does while singing, and how he wanted to be dressed
like him when he met him. We spent a little while talking then Clay had
to get ready for the concert. Meanwhile, Clay's staff made us feel very
welcome. During the concert, Clay had John and
me come up on stage. Clay talked about how John was with the
Make-A-Wish Foundation. He proceeded to ask where he lived and what his
wish was. He then went onto John's clothing. He said that he had the
right look; the striped shirt, tie, and jeans; however, the only thing
missing was the hair style. So he sent John and me backstage to John,
Clay's hairstylist, to have his hair styled and spiked. He was so
excited to be getting his hair done just like Clay's. Afterward, they
had us sit backstage to the side to watch Clay until it was time for
John to sing. As time drew nearer, Jerome took me back to my family while John stayed
backstage with Nick, Clay's assistant. Just as I had gotten back to my
seat I hear Angela, one of Clay's backup singers, introducing Clay and
his special guest, John Martin. Up from under the stage together
appears John and Clay. John had no fear whatsoever. The way they looked
at each other while singing was priceless. When they got to a certain
part of "This is the Night", they simultaneously pulled their
microphones off their stands and the crowd went crazy. Clay took hold
of John's hand as they started descending the stairs. Once they reached
the landing, Clay knelt beside John. They both sang together until the
last line, in which Clay let John finish. The crowd gave them a
standing ovation, and John stood there with the biggest smile on his
face. There were people in the first row reaching up to touch John's
hand, and being the ham he is, walked up to them and shook their hands.
When John came back to us, his smile said everything. I and my family cannot say thanks enough to the Make-A-Wish Foundation
and Clay Aiken for making John's wish come true. If it wasn't for this
Foundation, John's dream would have been just that; a dream. Clay
granted his wish and for that I am eternally grateful. He was so good
with John. On the second day, during sound check, he picked John up and
introduced him to the staff and band members. There's something about
the way Clay interacts with children that can't be explained. Clay
seems to be in his full element when around kids. We asked John why he liked Clay so much. His answer -"Because he's always happy and smiling." John is very attentive and observant when it comes to Clay. He's accomplished some challenges in his life all thanks to him. Again, I can't say thank you enough for what you all have done for John. Take Care and God Bless,
|


