Family of 5-year-old cancer survivor visits muscle car collection through Make-A-Wish

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) — A family with a love for the Indianapolis 500 got to go on a special VIP tour in Fishers.

Arie Underwood, 5, and his family took a visit to the Cage Campus where founder Steve Cage gave them a private tour of his American Muscle Car collection and Indy 500 historic memorabilia.

Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana connected Cage with the Underwoods.

Arie’s dad, Devin, named his son after two-time Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk, but in December 2018, his son became a part of a race against Stage 4 neuroblastoma.

Little Arie was in a race to beat cancer. Now, nearly two years later, his family is celebrating three clear scans. He’s cancer-free.

“This is a special day for Arie,” Cage said. “It’s just a good day to give him an opportunity to see something he’s wishing for,” Cage said about the chance to celebrate with the Underwoods and share his collection with them.

Even though the love and support from Riley Hospital, Make-A-Wish and others makes Devin feel gratitude, he also feels guilty when thinking about other families who are still battling.

“There are so many people out there who aren’t as lucky as we are,” he said. Meanwhile Arie’s mom, Kathryn, says after everything her family has been through, she’s just enjoying the moment.

“Just be grateful for what you got and enjoy every moment cause you never know,” she said. “You never know what could happen the next day, and I mean, I’m just lucky that I get all these moments with him today.”

Watch the video to see how Arie enjoyed his day at the museum and click here to see how Make-A-Wish is continuing to make dreams come true for kids during the COVID-19 crisis.