Meet Xavier

Ten-year-old Xavier had dreamed about seeing a volcano in real life. The science-loving little boy spent hours with his dad looking at videos and pictures of two of the world’s most active volcanoesKīlauea and Mauna Loa – nestled inside of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Little did Xavier know that his life was about to have an eruption of its own.

Falling ill in January 2020, Xavier and his mom spent most of the month at the hospital while his dad stayed home with siblings Isabella and Giovanni. In early February, the family received the news that Xavier had leukemia.

Treatment started immediately after diagnosis, but an allergic rection to one of the chemotherapy drugs had the medical team rushing the little boy to UCLA to treat a resulting infection. Xavier had to have his stomach cut open to remove pieces from the infection and remained at UCLA for another month to monitor his recovery. To make matters worse, he was unable to see his dad or his siblings during that time due to the pandemic.

The kind little boy who loves soccer, performing on stage, and singing reached many low points during those months, as the leukemia took a toll on the entire family. He dreamed of the day that he could leave the hospital and go on an adventure with the people that he loved the most, his family.

When Xavier learned that he was eligible to receive a wish, his mind immediately went to science and the volcanoes that he and his dad had obsessed over in Hawaii. He knew that a trip to the Aloha State would be just what he needed to recharge after a tumultuous time.

Boyd Gaming 25TH ANNIVERSARY PARTNER

After two years of treatments, healing, and waiting, Xavier and his family boarded a plane to paradise in July 2022.

While there, the family was able to go on a submarine ride, take a snorkel boat tour, and come faceto-face with dolphins. The highlight of Xavier’s trip? Basking in the glow of the lava-filled caldera of Kīlauea.

And shave ice.

The team at Boyd Gaming knows a little something about Hawaii. Located in historic downtown Las Vegas, the gaming company’s California Hotel Casino boasts a Hawaiian theme that is woven into the fabric of the property. From Hawaiian dining delicacies to the property’s island-inspired décor, the hospitality of the Hawaiian Islands is certainly reflected here.

When presented with the opportunity to host Xavier’s going-away reception, the company went all out – surprising the little boy with a volcano cake, volcano candy towers, and swag bag for his trip. More than 50 employees showed up to wish Xavier and his family well, presenting them each with Hawaiian leis in celebration of their special trip to the Big Island. When it comes to hospitality, Boyd Gaming is not exaggerating when they say they speak “Aloha” fluently. They certainly made this Wish Family feel special.