John listens to music for entertainment, and is a devoted fan of "American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken. Not a day goes by that John doesn't tune in to an Aiken CD, crooning along with the words to his favorite ballads. He wanted nothing more than to co-star in a video with his idol. When John's family told Make-A-Wish Foundation volunteers about John's hopes, the wheels of their dream machine started turning...

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,
John's Mom

The Wish The man that he had idolized Stood by his side that night And from within this tiny one There glowed a brilliant light The child, a perfect replica Of he who stood so tall So deftly mirrored every move So rare for one so small Each eye was fixed upon the pair While holding back a tear And in each face, the story told That love was everywhere And all the boy had suffered through, The trials that lay ahead Were on that night forgotten and Replaced by joy instead He shared the spotlight graciously As only he could do The gift he gave this little man To Make A Wish come true!