32-year old Steven has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare muscle-wasting disease affecting approximately 1 in 3,500 male births world-wide. It is usually recognised between 3 and 6 years of age, and most sufferers require a wheelchair by their teenage years. Steven is now wheelchair dependent and uses a ventilator to help him breathe. Although he’s lost the use of his limbs, he can still use his fingers and finds independence by playing on his Xbox and computer, which he thoroughly enjoys.
Steven is a huge Formula 1 fan, and every day he wears a different F1 t-shirt. He researches technical data about the F1 cars and how the drivers train to condition their bodies. Steven’s wish was to meet Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver and current World Champion. He lives for Formula 1; it is his main passion, so to meet an F1 driver would be a wish come true and a lifelong ambition.
With the help of Oracle Redbull racing and the F1 fans sharing Stevens’ story, the family had 2 hours on race morning in the paddock, meeting lots of celebrities and getting 20 minutes to interview his hero, Max.
Mum said,
“Wow, we had the best day ever. We are truly grateful to the Genie’s Wish team for making Steven’s wish come true.Max is a really friendly guy and was really interested in what Steven had to say.We could not have done this without you both.
This wish has changed Stevens’ life. He is soooo happy. He feels like he can now achieve anything his heart desires. Steven has a great sense of humour and laughs much more now. Thank you very much.”