Luke Combs Grants Make-A-Wish, Creates ‘Lifetime Memory’ For 8-Year-Old Cancer Survivor

“I went up there and just stole it,” the fan said of his performance.

By

Madeleine O’Connell

| Posted on

July 24, 2023

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2:38 pm

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Luke Combs; Photos Courtesy Instagram

Over the weekend, Luke Combs made his fans proud when he welcomed an extra special guest to the stage during his concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. 

Following the show that took place on Saturday, July 22, videos began to surface on social media showcasing the heartfelt moment when Combs was joined by an 8-year-old Georgia boy named Cooper Massengill. 

Since he was three and a half years old, Cooper has been battling leukemia and as a result, has already had to undergo multiple surgeries at such a young age. He is now cancer-free.  

“I had gone through a lot of stuff,” he shared honestly during an interview with CBS Boston.

His mom, Melissa Massengill, added, “what he had to go through was unbelievable.”

According to the news report, after hearing his story of incredible strength, the Make-A-Wish Foundation decided to grant Cooper one very big wish – the chance to see his favorite country star in concert.

Less than a week after getting the invitation from the foundation, Cooper and his family were making their way to the Boston stadium. At the time, they knew VIP tickets were in store for them, but they were unaware just how much was in store for the night. 

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Not only did Cooper end up getting tickets to the show plus a meet & greet backstage, but he also got to stand beside Combs in front of the sold-out crowd. Together, they sang the chorus of Combs’ fan-favorite cover of Tracy Chapman’s 1988 hit, “Fast Car.” 

“When I was walking up, everybody was shouting my name. It felt great,” Cooper told the news outlet.

“Cooper’s wish was to meet Luke Combs. He had no idea that he was gonna go on stage. He had a secret wish within his wish, which was to sing ‘Fast Car’ with him,” explained CEO, Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Sean Holleran. “Luke Combs and his team made a lifetime memory for him.”

Combs helped him get the song started, but then he let Cooper steal the show as he continued to deliver the lyrics with plenty of encouragement from the audience. The pair embraced in a hug before the country star promoted the crowd to give the young boy another round of applause. 

“I went up there and just stole it,” Cooper said of his shining moment on stage. 

Cooper and his parents went on to express just how grateful they are to Luke Combs and the team at Make-A-Wish for setting up this unforgettable experience for their son who has been fighting so hard. 

“It was just great to see him get the wish that he wanted after going through everything, said his dad, Travis Massengill. “I was just amazed that he was able to get all this, that they could organize that for him.”

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“They really came through for him and made his wish come true,” his mom added. 

“Everybody doesn’t get a wish, and be grateful for if you get a wish,” Cooper said in conclusion. 

Fast Car” has become a staple in Comb’s setlist since its release earlier this year. The successful cover also appears on his latest album, Gettin’ Old, which arrived on March 24, 2023. The project features 18 tracks, including “Growin’ Up And Gettin’ Old,” “See Me Now,” “Joe,” “Tattoo On A Sunburn,” the fan-favorite tune, “5 Leaf Clover,” and more.

The tune that currently sits atop of the Billboard Country Airplay chart marks Combs’ 16th career No. 1 at country radio and his 15th No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

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Luke Combs’ recent heartfelt moment on stage took place in the midst of his massive world tour. The trek continues with back-to-back stops in Philadelphia, PA on July 28 and July 29 before the country singer makes his way to Australia, New Zealand, U.K., Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, France and Belgium. 

Riley Green, Lainey Wilson, Flatland Cavalry and Brent Cobb will serve as support to Luke Combs on the North American tour dates. Special guests on the Australian and New Zealand dates include Cody Johnson and Lane Pittman.

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Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.