Tyler Olah got more than his wish Friday, to have his run-down
1997 GMC Sonoma fixed up. He pretty much got back a new truck when
he saw it for the first time after an array of local volunteers,
through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helped in the
transformation.
Editor’s note: Look for an expanded version of this story and more photos in the annual “Pride” section coming out with next week’s Free Lance.
Tyler Olah got more than his wish Friday, to have his run-down 1997 GMC Sonoma fixed up. He pretty much got back a new truck when he saw it for the first time after an array of local volunteers, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helped in the transformation.
Olah, 18, has been undergoing chemotherapy to treat acute lymphatic leukemia, for which he was diagnosed in August. While he is nearly done with his regular treatments – he has one more left and then will continue with monthly check-ups – Olah got a nice surprise when the upgrade to his truck became a lot more than simple repairs.
Marty Greenwood at Greenwood Chevrolet took on the project after getting a call from Make-A-Wish volunteer Gene Corriden about four months ago. Corriden and his wife, Jan, have the job of interviewing Olah and other children in the Central Coast area facing life-threatening health problems.
Greenwood commissioned help from many individuals and businesses to help chip in toward the cause.
Aside from the maintenance, done by Greenwood’s shop, other volunteers had decked it out with a maroon paint job, pinstriping, a new windshield, new tires and wheels, a bedliner and a leather interior. Olah also received $500 in gas cards from Nino Real Estate.
Greenwood said there was about $15,000 worth of work put into a $2,000 truck.
“If I were to take it on a trade,” he said, “it would be $500.”
After checking out the truck’s new features, Olah expressed gratitude to the volunteers who made it happen.
“It’s really amazing how everyone chipped in and helped fix up my truck,” he said. “I’m very grateful they did that. I’m really happy they did this.”
Why was the truck at the top of his wish list?
“Mainly because, well, I don’t have any money to buy a new car,” he said. “I really liked the truck. This is my first truck. I figured, why not get it fixed up?
The following kicked in for the project:
Greenwood Chevrolet: maintenance, windshield, organizing
McAbee Trucking: paint work and organizing
Top Stitch Upholstery & Design: interior
South County Line-X: bedliner
John and Mark Tobias: tires
Rossi Tires: wheels
Harry’s Auto Signs: pinstriping
PPG Paint and Automotive: paint
Automotive Color: paint
Nino Real Estate: $500 in gas cards
