Community, Good News

6-year-old with leukemia becomes world’s youngest UPS driver

Never underestimate the power of a wish.

After being diagnosed with leukemia, 6-year-old Mateo Toscano, had to start spending most of his days inside.

To pass the time, Mateo would people watch from his living room window and ended up developing a particular fascination with delivery drivers. To Mateo, watching the drivers drop off packages to people was a way to bring joy to others – he wanted to play that role so badly.

Thankfully, Make-A-Wish foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to granting wishes for children with critical illnesses, was able to make Mateo’s dream become a reality.

Mateo Toscano holding his certificate and “credentials.” Credit: Caroline Photography for Make-A-Wish Foundation.

So, last Thursday, Mateo suited up in his little custom-made UPS uniform and started making his rounds. He even had his very own, fully functional, miniature UPS truck to make things more official.

Mateo Toscano driving his custom-made, miniature UPS truck. Credit: Caroline Photography for Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“When Mateo’s wish came true, he did more than deliver packages, he delivered hope to the entire Stockton, [California] community and beyond … and that’s the incredible power of a wish,” Jennifer Stolo, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Northeastern and Central California & Northern Nevada, said in a statement to Good Morning America.

Mateo, along with an adult UPS driver, delivered packages to various Stockton city officials, local police, and others.
“I was busy as a bee,” Mateo said.

During his “lunch break,” he even delivered a few Mother’s Day gifts for his mother and grandmother: candles, bath towels and flowers.