“Today is all about ‘Wow!’”

That sentiment sums up everything 14-year-old Chad was feeling as he embarked on his special wish experience: a Macy’s shopping spree. Macy’s Herald Square in New York City, the world’s largest department store, was the ideal place to fulfill Chad’s desire to select “high-quality stuff” on his shopping adventure.

Chad’s unforgettable day started off with a heartwarming touch, even before Damien and Athena, his personal shoppers from Macy’s, and his wish granters, Marc and Nadia, swung into action. Wali Nassery, vice president and store manager for the Men's Division at Macy’s Herald Square, had invited his sales associates to breakfast with Chad and his family. Though they weren't due at work for another half-hour, about 30 associates and gift-wrapping clerks showed up early to welcome Chad and his family to the store.

The sense of pride among the associates for contributing to Chad’s wish was clearly evident, just as it is when they encourage customers to participate in the Macy’s East Thanks for Sharing program, which benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

To start Chad’s shopping adventure, Macy’s associates assembled a huge welcome basket for him. Chad's big brother, Tyree, held the gift basket, and Chad looked in wonder at the CD player, hat, ties and all the other goodies filling it. The biggest “Wow!” for Chad in the gift basket was five varieties of cologne! Chad thanked the associates for his gift basket and told them he was looking forward to shopping.

After breakfast Chad, Tyree and their mother, Gail, headed off with Chad's personal shoppers and his wish granters to start shopping in the electronics department for a cell phone. Chad loves phones, and his wish granters said he received a “top-notch” model.

As they shopped in the men’s department, Marc and Nadia noticed Chad’s smile stretching from ear to ear. He selected a stylish new wardrobe, including jackets, sweaters, shirts and pants. His personal shoppers helped Chad choose outfits to match the new ties he received in the welcome basket.

Chad soon wrapped up the shopping trip and left Macy’s with a cool collection of merchandise, definitely all “high-quality stuff” to complete his wish. The awesome day also helped Chad forget about his life-threatening medical condition that he continues to combat.

“It was an amazing experience for me, and I am so thrilled that the Make-A-Wish Foundation gave me this opportunity,” he said.

For Nadia and Marc, Chad’s wish granters, the nearly three hours they spent shopping with him and his family was a wonderful example of the partnership between the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Macy’s. And most importantly, watching Chad’s wish come true right before their eyes was the most gratifying gift.