Make-A-Wish Grants Washington Teen Chance To Be Part Of Boston History

By Paul Burton, CBS Boston

December 20, 2023

BOSTON - From the ringing of the bell to the dumping of tea into the harbor, 19-year-old Benjamin O. says his Make-A-Wish trip to Boston beat all expectations.

"I am generally a fan of history. I like the look of the city," Benjamin said. Benjamin was born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas and other organs. For much of his life, it's been a struggle. "I was very thin, very short," he said.

Benjamin, a teen from Washington State, visited Boston through the Make-A-Wish Foundation/CBS Boston

Now, thanks to Make-A-Wish, he's here from Washington State to visit Boston's historic sites. For Benjamin and his family, the history runs deep. "Part of it must come from my direct connection to it. I have ancestors who come from Boston," he said. In fact, he can trace his maternal ancestors to the Mayflower and the Boston Tea Party.

Benjamin said it's Boston's history - and family ties - that drew him to Boston/CBS Boston

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