7-Year-Old Texan Living With Cancer Takes Ride In $2.5 Million Bugatti
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DALLAS (CBS 11 NEWS) - Seven-year-old Michael Hollis knew a surprise was in store. The San Antonio resident arrived in Dallas' Design District in a stretch limousine. His parents Erik and Dalia offered few details for the day planned for Michael.
With a turn from Riverfront Drive to Oak Lawn Avenue, the surprise awaiting Michael was sitting in front of an art gallery. There was also a small army of security guards, valet and news photographers surrounding it.
"Hi Michael. I'm Butch," said Butch Leitzinger, the assigned driver of one of the fastest cars made today.
Leitzinger represents Bugatti, the expensive sports car maker from Europe. A $2.5 million version of the car was provided Tuesday specifically for Michael.
Hollis lives with a form of leukemia. He was diagnosed last year and is still taking medication and chemotherapy treatments. But the 7-year-old loves sports cars.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas reached out to Michael's family, because of his life threatening medical condition.
Make-A-Wish coordinator Jessica Rivera explained, "We wanted to grant his wish."
So with a push of a button, the growl of the engine roared. Michael sat strapped in on the passenger side, and off to the Dallas North Tollway they sped.
The Bugatti can hit a peak speed of 250 miles per hour. Leitzinger didn't drive that fast, but he pushed the pedal to the medal hard enough to put a smile on Michael's face.
"It was awesome", Michael proclaimed, after the ride came to an end.
But the little boy's day of wishes wasn't over. Park Place Motors, the local dealership for the Bugatti, offered a tour of their showroom for the Hollis family. His father sat back and watched his son's dream come true. "Watching him light up. He hasn't in the past year. Until now. It's great."
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