"We want you to walk into that hospital with bravery and courage young warrior, just like Optimus Prime and these men and women in uniform."

No one ever looks forward to entering the doors of a children's hospital for chemo treatments. But on November 18th, 2020, one young warrior walked in with his head held high. Thanks to a surprise visit by a giant alien robot from Cybertron, alongside several men and women in uniform.

9-year-old Imanuel was diagnosed with stage 4 non-hodgkin's lymphoma just one month before his birthday in September 2020. The youth football captain was getting ready to transfer to a new hospital in Philadelphia for ongoing treatment.  A local truck group named the New England Ram Club put out a call on social media for prayers and support. They were also attempting to organize a rally for Imanuel, but the timing, weather, pandemic restrictions, and Imanuel's treatments made scheduling a gathering difficult.

One of the club members, Ed Avery, shared Immanuel's story with a friend in the Transformers world, named Joe Fiduccia. Joe is the owner of the world's only Hasbro-approved replica of Optimus Prime from the movie Transformers: Age of Extinction.  That same day, he happily agreed to create a 3-minute personalized video for Imanuel...joining several others who wanted to help cheer him up virtually.

But after hearing how excited Imanuel was to receive the video from Optimus, Fiduccia decided to take things one step further.

"I was informed that Imanuel was home for a short time, getting ready to transfer to a new hospital in just 4 days," says Fiduccia. "So I pitched the idea to the truck club of surprising Imanuel with Optimus Prime at his residence, and then offering him a VIP escort from his home to the hospital."

Avery loved the idea, and within a matter of hours, received the full support and bare minimum funding (via donations from members of the truck club) to help pull this off.

"When I got the call that we were good to go, I was elated," explains Fiduccia. "The adrenaline started pumping and I immediately shifted into high gear to do everything I could to make this experience one that Imanuel would never forget."

Fiduccia coordinated the experience of a lifetime for this young boy. He was able to obtain support from the Gloucester City, NJ Police, the Gloucester City Fire Department, and the Delaware River Port Authority - DRPA. With the help of Imanuel's family members, they rallied together and arranged a socially-distanced surprise visit at a marina just one block from Imanuel's residence.

The following day, they returned to escort Imanuel 40 minutes from his home to St. Christopher's Children's Hospital in Philadelphia. Where he was greeted by the hospital social worker, doctors, staff, and even the CEO.

And the best part - ALL of it was organized within just 72 hours.

"I am moved beyond words to see how quickly these agencies came together for Imanuel," says Fiduccia. "Up until that day, he and his family were total strangers to all of us. And yet we all found a way to unite for this one cause. It was truly goosebumps the entire time. This experience would not have been what it was without their help and support. 'Thank you' just doesn't cut it."

"My goal in the end is simple - I want him to walk in those hospital doors with bravery and courage. Knowing Optimus and Team Prime are behind him all the way."



Fiduccia goes on to say: "this is what I live for. This is what Optimus Prime was made for. I would love nothing more than to travel all over the country and offer similar experiences for children who could use the boost. Not only does our presence motivate them to smile, but it helps bring some hope and joy to a family that desperately needs it. Not to mention it also becomes a moment of positivity that the world can rally around."

Please check out the video below documenting the entire experience for Imanuel from start to finish. On behalf of everyone involved, we wish Imanuel good health and a speedy recovery.

When sharing, please use the hashtag #ImanuelStrong to show your support!  And welcome to Team Prime Imanuel!

As of the date this article was written, Fiduccia says Optimus is back in stasis for a while, and has no other planned visits or escorts at this time.

 "I do hope someone will come forward to help us provide another experience like this one. The families and children need it, and quite frankly the world needs it too.  For anyone who may be interested in welcoming Optimus into your hometown, please send us a message."