'Deals & Steals for you and your home!

Open menu

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Living

6-year-old with leukemia is world’s youngest UPS driver

VIDEO: 6-year-old battling leukemia becomes UPS driver for the day
2:02
6-year-old battling leukemia becomes UPS driver for the day
ABCNews.com
ByAryana Azari
May 07, 2021, 5:40 pm

A 6-year-old is now the world's youngest UPS driver.

Mateo Toscano, from Stockton, California, spends most of his time indoors due to his leukemia diagnosis and the need to stay inside was further exacerbated by health and safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

To keep himself occupied, Mateo people-watched from his living room windows, and particularly liked it when delivery drivers would come around with packages. He wanted to be like them and bring joy to others by delivering packages -- and through The Make-A-Wish Foundation his dream came true Thursday.

"I really liked it," Mateo told "Good Morning America." "It was so cool."

PHOTO: Mateo Toscano, 6, got to deliver packages as a honorary UPS worker for a day in Stockton, Calif., May 6, 2021.
Mateo Toscano, 6, got to deliver packages as a honorary UPS worker for a day in Stockton, Calif., May 6, 2021.
Caroline Photography for Make-A-Wish Foundation

"When Mateo's wish came true, he did more than deliver packages, he delivered hope to the entire Stockton community and beyond ... and that's the incredible power of a wish," Jennifer Stolo, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Northeastern and Central California & Northern Nevada, said in a statement to "GMA."

Editor’s Picks

Restaurant opens early for 3-year-old customer with leukemia

  • Feb 11, 2020

Couple who both battled leukemia together as kids get married: ‘It was a dream’

  • Jun 28, 2019

6-year-old boy's life saved by 2 bone marrow donors during coronavirus pandemic

  • Oct 06, 2020

Mateo started off his workday by dressing in his custom UPS uniform and receiving his very own fully functional miniature UPS truck, which he got to take out for a driver's test before going on his route.

PHOTO: Mateo Toscano, 6, got to deliver packages as a honorary UPS worker for a day in Stockton, Calif., May 6, 2021.
Mateo Toscano, 6, got to deliver packages as a honorary UPS worker for a day in Stockton, Calif., May 6, 2021.
Caroline Photography for Make-A-Wish Foundation

Mateo, along with an adult UPS driver, delivered packages to various Stockton city officials, local police, and others.

"I was busy as a bee," Mateo said.

MORE: 3-year-old boy welcomed home from cancer treatment by fire department

During the middle of his day, he took a lunch break and then delivered the Mother's Day gifts he picked out for his mother and grandmother: candles, bath towels and flowers.

"My mom and I were both so touched by his Mother's Day gifts to us, and were very surprised by the pretty flowers!" Cynthia Toscano, Mateo's mother, told "GMA."

PHOTO: Mateo Toscano, 6, got to deliver packages as a honorary UPS worker for a day in Stockton, Calif., May 6, 2021.  Mateo hugs his grandmother Debbie Laughlin on the left and his mother, Cynthia Toscano, on the right.
Mateo Toscano, 6, got to deliver packages as a honorary UPS worker for a day in Stockton, Calif., May 6, 2021. Mateo hugs his grandmother Debbie Laughlin on the left and his mother, Cynthia Toscano, on the right.
Caroline Photography for Make-A-Wish Foundation

Mateo's doctors advised his family that there shouldn't be any cut flowers, wreaths or trees in the house during his treatment.

His mother continued, "The flowers were a very nice way to signal the end of a very, very dark period. Hopefully, the brighter times are here to stay."

Editor’s Picks

Restaurant opens early for 3-year-old customer with leukemia

  • Feb 11, 2020

Couple who both battled leukemia together as kids get married: ‘It was a dream’

  • Jun 28, 2019

6-year-old boy's life saved by 2 bone marrow donors during coronavirus pandemic

  • Oct 06, 2020
Up Next in Living—

Broadway actor gets last-minute 'magic carpet ride' to 'Aladdin' show

September 20, 2023

Reunite with your cash: How to find out if you have unclaimed money

September 18, 2023

As more schools switch to 4-day weeks, will teachers stay?

September 18, 2023

Hispanic Influencers reflect on their impact, untapped potential

September 16, 2023

Up Next in Living—

Broadway actor gets last-minute 'magic carpet ride' to 'Aladdin' show

September 20, 2023

Reunite with your cash: How to find out if you have unclaimed money

September 18, 2023

As more schools switch to 4-day weeks, will teachers stay?

September 18, 2023

Hispanic Influencers reflect on their impact, untapped potential

September 16, 2023

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News