Twelve-year-old Vincent Di Magro loves computers, so it’s by no means a stretch when he decided, after being diagnosed with leukemia, that his dream from the Make-A-Wish-Foundation was to call a high-tech gaming computer his own—enter TCI Technologies in Mineola.
“We came up and said ‘we can build a computer, customize it to what he needs,’” TCI computer technician Michael Tosto said. “It was his wish to have a custom-built computer.”
Last month, Di Magro, along with his parents, Iggy and Claudia, watched as Tosto built the gaming unit from scratch.
“Don’t throw out the boxes,” Vincent exclaimed at the time. “I want to keep them.”
The wish-granters paid for the computer, but with Tosto’s skill, coupled with Di Magro’s enthusiasm, the $10,000 computer is setting up hours of fun for the young boy.
“Looking at a computer and fitting it to their needs, it’s an experience that’s really fun,” Tosto said. “When they came along with Vincent, it was fun.”
Flanked by two friends, Di Magro pored over the computer, studying every detail. With the same enthusiasm, family and friends were treated to a smorgasbord of Italian food and cotton candy from Uncle Bacala’s of Garden City Park.
“The look on the family’s faces and thank you’s we got, it makes you realize how lucky you are,” said TCI and Fat Guy Media founder Tom Jacoberger. “It’s a great feeling to give back to people in need. It’s also pretty cool to educate Vincent and his friends on the components of a computer.”
For Tosto, the happiness on Di Magro’s face is what capped the project.
“Watching the kids stare at everything as it was getting unpacked, it was nice,” Tosto said. “It reminded me from when I was a kid at Christmas waiting for presents.”
