Amica, Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island and the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation Grant Wish for Local Teen

A local teen had the Boston Celtics experience of a lifetime on Sunday, thanks to Amica Insurance, the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation (BCSF), Fanatics, and Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Ronan Clancy, 18, of Wakefield, MA had his wish for a Boston Celtics experience granted, as he and his family took in a Celtics win from the best seats in TD Garden. 

Ronan attended the game on Sunday, March 1, as the Celtics hosted Philadelphia. Alongside his mom, Liz, dad, Duane, and sister, Saoirse, Ronan received true VIP treatment. Each member of the family was outfitted in a custom Celtics jersey from Amica. They posed for photos at center court pregame before Ronan participated in the high-five tunnel and presented the official game ball for the evening. Fanatics – the Official Sports Partner of Make-A-Wish – gifted Ronan Celtics swag to add to the already impressive collection he displays in his bedroom.

For Ronan and family, all dedicated and knowledgeable Celtics fans, the view of the game from courtside seats was what they were most looking forward to on wish day. The surprises, however, are what will stick with them. Ronan had the opportunity to meet one of his favorite players, Neemias Queta. During halftime, as Ronan and his family relaxed in a private room near the player locker rooms, he was in awe when in walked Jayson Tatum to spend time and take photos.

For Ronan, sports have always been a source of joy and a way to spend time bonding with his family. Diagnosed with a nervous system disorder, Ronan had a stroke last year and underwent months of intense therapy. Throughout his life and his most recent obstacles, he’s always looked forward to the evenings when he and his family can sit down together to watch the Celtics and forget about everything else for a few hours. Though nonverbal, Ronan’s family shared that he lights up when the Celtics pregame comes on, and that he feeds off of the energy of the crowd when he watches games. That energy and joy radiated from Ronan throughout his time at TD Garden.

“The experience was truly unforgettable for Ronan and for us,” shared Ronan’s mom, Liz. “Everyone involved went above and beyond to give Ronan the most amazing night. Despite being nonverbal, he communicates in other ways to express his joy. He’s so excited looking at the photos and videos from the game. As a family we, and especially Ronan, will never forget this amazing experience. We are so very grateful. Ronan may not have known what Make-A-Wish was before, but he certainly does now.”

Amica, longtime partner of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and the Exclusive Auto, Home and Life Insurance Partner of the Boston Celtics, has created many unforgettable experiences for wish kids, and Ronan’s wish was one the Amica team won’t soon forget. 

"Creating moments like this for kids and families is at the heart of why our partnerships matter," said Amica President and CEO Ted Shallcross. "Ronan’s joy was undeniable, and we’re grateful to work alongside Make A Wish and the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation to help bring experiences like his to life. It’s a privilege to play even a small role in a day his family will always remember.”

Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. To learn more about how to help wishes come true for more local children like Ronan, visit www.massri.wish.org.