Seven-year-old James was ready for the volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Metro New York when they arrived at his home. He greeted them with the details of an online contest for a Grave Digger monster truck block party. James had not won the contest, but the idea stuck with him. He wished for his own Grave Digger party on his street in Long Island.

James was no stranger to Grave Digger, the 10,000-pound monster truck with glowing red headlights, a 1,500-horsepower engine, 66-inch tires, and nitrogen shock absorbers. In fact, his mom says for the past three years, Grave Digger videos have been the young racing fan’s best source of entertainment when confined to his room due to his life-threatening medical condition. When James is well enough, his family travels to monster truck shows and has frequented Digger’s Dungeon, a North Carolina shop filled with Grave Digger merchandise, parts, and a truck for photographs.

Wish granters contacted Grave Digger’s driver, Dennis Anderson, who enthusiastically agreed to work the party into his busy East Coast tour. They also contacted officials from James’ hometown, who agreed to block the street for a day. Everything was set for James to see his favorite truck during a belated birthday party and a celebration of his life.

On a summer day, Grave Digger made its grand entrance with an engine so loud, the neighbors ran outside to see what could make such noise. It was all pure joy to the boy as he watched with a smile. Calling James “his new best friend,” Dennis embraced him, lifted him up, slapped hands, and – in the words of a wish granter – “made him feel like a million bucks.” During the party, the driver focused his attention on James, and the two spoke for a long time. James proudly showed his new buddy all of his Grave Digger replicas. Dennis gave his dedicated fan plenty of autographs. When it came time to eat, they sat together.

In another special highlight, Dennis sat James on his lap while he drove up and down the street to let the boy feel what it was like to drive the truck. The generous driver also spoke with curious neighbors and posed for pictures. One partygoer called him “wonderful” for volunteering his time and credited him with creating a “relaxed, carefree atmosphere” for James and the guests.

A member of James’ wish-granting team recalled the invigorating effect Grave Digger had on its biggest fan, saying, “The truck was more powerful than Dennis Anderson could have ever imagined. Not only could it conquer, jump, and challenge other trucks, but it could create magic for a special child.” James’ mom heaped praised on Anderson, adding, “Dennis seems to be a special person, and we will never forget meeting him. All the time he spent with the children and how well he handled everyone wanting an autograph on such a hot, humid day…thank you!”