Cox Communications helps Make-A-Wish® grant technology wish to 14-year-old gaming enthusiast and aspiring streamer Tiba

​Pro gamers from Cox’s esports team Atlanta Reign make special Zoom appearance to offer tips and encouragement.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Sept. 1, 2020 – Fourteen-year-old Tiba from Lakeside suffers from a neuromuscular disease that inhibits her mobility, and now with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing schools to start the new year online, she’ll have even less interaction with friends and classmates.

Tiba loves gaming and hopes to one day have her own streaming channel where she can interact and play with others who share her passion for gaming.
 
To help make her dream a reality, Cox Charities, the philanthropic arm of Cox Communications funded by employee donations and a company match, granted Tiba’s technology wish for a new laptop, webcam, gaming software, and a green screen – complete with setup by Cox technicians to make her wish day special. As a surprise, Cox also included one year of free high speed internet service to make her gaming and streaming experience even better.
 
Due to the pandemic and physical distancing guidelines, Tiba’s wish day was limited to only her parents and two brothers, the Cox techs installing her gaming system, and a few representatives from Make-A-Wish.
 
However, Cox surprised Tiba with a special virtual appearance via Zoom by professional gamers Gator and FRD who play for Cox’s Overwatch esports team the Atlanta Reign. Gator and FRD offered Tiba encouragement, talked about how they got into gaming, and shared some gamer best practices to help the aspiring streamer develop her own follower base – all amid a colorful and festive backdrop filled with presents, food and excitement.
 
“The children and teens who come through Make-A-Wish have already dealt with so much in their young lives,” said Sam Attisha, Cox Senior Vice President and Region Manager. “Through Cox Charities, our employees are able to engage in our community and make a positive impact. We’re proud to grant Tiba’s technology wish so she can stay connected to family and friends, continue with her passion for gaming, and realize her dream of becoming a streamer.”
 
“Tiba’s wish day was magical – from Cox Techs Aaron and Gilbert setting up her gaming system and the surprise announcement of free high speed internet for a year to having professional gamers Gator and FRD video chatting with her,” said Betsy Muirhead, Tiba’s wish granter from Make-A-Wish San Diego.
 
“Our organization and players are honored to be a part of this opportunity. As professional gamers, Gator and FRD have provided Tiba with insightful advice. We wish Tiba the best in her journey to building her fan base as a streamer,” said Paul Hamilton, the Atlanta Reign’s CEO.
 
“Thank you for making this day special and unforgettable,” said Tiba’s father, Ali. “You all worked together to make this happen, and I know Tiba will remember this for the rest of her life.”

About Make-A-Wish® San Diego
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Since its inception in 1983, the San Diego chapter has granted over 4,600 wishes for local children in San Diego and Imperial Valley Counties. They seek to bring every eligible child's wish to life because every child deserves a childhood. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness. For more information about Make-A-San Diego, visit www.sandiego.wish.org  

About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through broadband applications and services. The largest private telecom company in America, we proudly serve six million homes and businesses across 18 states. We’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that makes each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.

About Atlanta Reign
Atlanta Reign is one of 20 franchises competing in the 2020 Overwatch League season, the premier global esports league with city-based teams. The Reign is owned and operated by Atlanta Esports Ventures, a partnership between Cox Enterprises and Province Inc., created in 2018.