On October 27, 2004, two grand wishes united: the Boston Red Sox won the 2004 World Series^® , fulfilling the most fervent wish of New Englanders everywhere and enhancing a lifelong memory for one of their special fans, 12-year-old wish child Josh. Like most boys his age, Josh goes to school, enjoys hanging out with friends, plays video games, and loves his Boston Red Sox so much that he dedicates his summers to watching their games.

Josh’s father, Jeff, wanted to be sure that his seriously ill son got a chance to see the Red Sox in the World Series. Shortly after the Club won the American League Championship Series (ALCS) by beating the New York Yankees, Jeff tried to purchase World Series tickets.

Realizing the tickets would be difficult if not impossible to obtain, Jeff contacted the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Massachusetts and informed the organization of his son’s wish, to attend a World Series game. However, he was unsure if the wish could be granted because the World Series was set to begin just two days after the Red Sox historic ALCS victory.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation sprung into action and contacted Major League Baseball, which has granted 20 World Series wish experiences to children with life-threatening medical conditions since 1998. As soon as Josh was determined medically eligible for a wish, the Make-A-Wish Foundation contacted father and son to inform them that Josh’s wish would be granted.

“Josh enjoys watching the Red Sox play more than anything else,” said Jeff. “We never thought this wish could be granted in such a short time, but we figured we would give it a try, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation came through for Josh. We can’t thank Make-A-Wish Foundation and Major League Baseball enough for this fantastic experience.”

When asked about his friends’ reactions to him getting the chance to see the Red Sox play in the World Series, Josh replied with a sly grin, “Oh, they were wicked jealous!”

Josh, his father, and other family members boarded a plane to St. Louis, checked into their hotel, and went by limo to the big game. Imagine Josh’s thrill when Major League Baseball enhanced his wish experience by having him visit the Red Sox clubhouse prior to the game. Ellis Burks of the champion Red Sox personally introduced Josh to virtually every member of the Red Sox, who each signed Josh’s baseball. When asked if he thought that the Red Sox could pull off a win in the fourth game, he exclaimed, “Oh, I think they're going all the way this year. Red Sox rule! Woo! Sweep!”

Josh’s prediction came true, and to the delight of Josh and every other Red Sox fan, the “Curse of the Bambino” is no more.