Fundraising Event For Former Make-A-Wish Participant Keeps Son’s Memory Alive

Parents of a former Make-A-Wish kid are keeping their son’s memory alive through the gift of giving. All proceeds from todays' fly-in, car and motorcycle show go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

They say "Make-A-Wish" because your dreams are at your disposal. Some kids choose to meet celebrities while others go on shopping sprees.

Bill Campbell wanted a bus.

"Make a wish is more than just a trip to Disney. There's nothing wrong with going to Disney but there's so much more they can do," said Cindi Conner, Bill's Mom.

Not just any bus. Robert Campbell said his son wanted a man cave on wheels.

"He drew out a design. His floorplans and everything. It's right here," said Robert Campbell, Bill's Dad.

Cindi Conner said her son was an old soul who listened to oldies music and collected all things Route 66. From the time he could walk, Bill loved to ride.

He collected car keys and read car manuals.

"It didn't have to be all slicked up and shinned. It could be a rust bucket. He didn't care. If it had 4 wheels it was cool to him," said Conner.

Conner said Bill's journey was different than most. He had a genetic connective tissue disorder that impacts a person's joints and major organs.

So, in 2005, Make-A-Wish made Bill's made-up mancave a reality.

"He got his wish," said Campbell.

This bus was his refuge for nearly 6 years before Bill died at the age of 18.

"Being in this bus there is a lot of memories," said Campbell.

Bill's mom started Wings, Wheels & Wishes to raise money for Make-A-Wish Oklahoma. However, she said it's so much more than that. It's about keeping Bill's memory alive and paying it forward.

"You can come out here and see my kid's imagination and look what make a wish did for him," said Conner.

This is Connor's 5th year holding the fundraiser. Conner's parents said they raised enough money last year to cover the cost of two kids' wishes.

Bill's parents just wish he was here to see how Wings, Wheels & Wishes took off.

"He would say thank you," said Campbell.

To find out more about the Make-A-wish foundation, CLICK HERE.