Entranced by the screams of excitement, blaring electric guitars and rockstars performing in front of him, he felt at home. 

And like a rockstar himself. 

“It was fun. I thought the stage was cool,” he said. 

Thanks to the nonprofit organization Dreams Come True, Cartwright was gifted with seeing his favorite band in person during their Tampa stop on their tour on June 6 and June 8. 

Cartwright was surprised with the energetic and fun-filled trip during a Dreams Come True pep rally at Lake Asbury Junior High back in May. 

The school’s Kids Helping Kids club raised $5,000 toward Cartwright's dream through community partnerships and fundraisers to send Cartwright and his family to not only rock out, but head to Busch Gardens for some theme park fun.

Dreams Come True is dedicated to giving hope to children with life-threatening medical conditions. 

Cartwright has Williams Syndrome (WS), a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder he was diagnosed with shortly after birth. WS affects 1 in 7,500 to 10,000 people worldwide and has no cure.

But, amid the chronic pain that comes with his condition, Cartwright continues to keep a upbeat spirit. 

“Dreams Come True went above and beyond. Just trying to tell them in detail of things that he wanted and it's like they wrapped them all in the one and made it such a bigger experience, said Cartwright’s mother Tabatha Brinson. “It was probably the greatest weekend he's ever had. “

Brinson said that people with WS are musically inclined, making it easy for Cartwright to pick up on the sounds and beats easily.

In addition to seeing the band perform live, Cartwright also was able to meet the members backstage shortly before the concert in a VIP experience. And after much one-on-one conversation and an impromptu drawing session, the members dedicated a special riff-off to Cartwright during the show— the Jalapeño Jam.

Cartwright, who loves all things red and jalapeños, was thrilled— even designing his own t-shirt to commemorate the moment. On his Spicy Jalapeño t-shirt is a graphic that encompasses everything that makes Metallica who they are. 

Still reeling from his experience, Cartwright is far from done with Dreams Come True. In fact, he is now an ambassador for the nonprofit's annual Walk, Run and Roll 5K event. His team, the Super Hot Jalapeños, will race to the finish line during the event on Sept. 13 at the University of North Florida.

If you would like to support Cartwright’s team, you can purchase a shirt through Cash App by first emailing tabathabrinson@me.com ($TabbaDumb). Shirts are $35.

Brinson said you must email first for confirmation before paying.

Brinson said to include your shirt size, as well as your cash app name in the email. 

Final orders must be placed by Aug. 23. 

After Aug. 24, the shirts will continue to be sold on a Metallica page at an increased price. For those who don’t want to purchase a shirt, donations are also welcomed

Cartwright also has an open P.O. for anyone who would like to send him a letter of encouragement, you can mail it to:

P.O. Box 43

Bryceville, FL 32009