Make-A-Wish Western New York grants wish for Lackawanna teen

NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Lackawanna teenager will now be riding in style after getting his wish granted by Make-A-Wish Western New York.

Caleb Kinsley is a Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor who started battling cancer at 15 years old. Four years ago, Kinsley’s mom noticed a lump on his neck. After going to the doctors, he received a few biopsies and they ended up finding cancer.

The following months for Kinsley were spent in and out of the hospital. He began treatment which included several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.

“I just kind of tried to keep the most positive outlook I could,” Kinsley said. “There was really nothing I could do but face it.”

That’s exactly what he did. In September 2022, Kinsley was able to ring the bell, marking the end of his treatment, officially declaring him cancer-free.

Make-A-Wish Western New York grants wishes for children in the region with critical illnesses. When the organization heard Kinsley’s story, volunteers knew they wanted to help. On Wednesday, Kinsley’s gift of receiving a dirt bike was finally granted.

“I’ve always had a passion for dirt bikes, and I always loved dirt bikes growing up,” Kinsley said. “I’ve always really wanted to be into dirt bikes, wanted to race them.”

Now, thanks to Make-A-Wish and Bob Weaver Motorsports in North Tonawanda, Kinsley can do just that.

Surrounded by his family, Kinsley was presented with a 2025 Honda CRF250R dirt bike, the exact model he wanted. Both organizations said they didn’t think twice when given the opportunity to help make Kinsley’s dream come true.

“It’s in perfect fashion. Track ready with the tent, the mat and the stand,” said Mike Weaver, part owner of Bob Weaver Motorsports. “We wanted to make this happen for him because we knew that’s what he wanted. We’re more than happy to be a part of it.”

“We’re so grateful that we are able to give him that hope, that joy, as he dreamt about what his wish was going to be,” said Mary Hazel, director of development at Make-A-Wish. “It’s medicine for the soul. He’s been able to just have some positive thinking and now he’s going to have years of fun riding that dirt bike.”

Kinsey also gave thanks to his family, friends, the staff at the hospital and the members of the Make-A-Wish team. He said he couldn’t have made it through this journey without them.

Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here .