For Ethan Carnesecca, Hot Wheels are an important part of the healing process.

In April, the boy was rushed to the hospital after his lungs filled with fluid, and he had to spend his third birthday (and Easter) in a hospital bed. His collection of die-cast cars is one of the things that kept Ethan smiling and strong through this difficult time.

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During his stay at the hospital, word of Ethan’s love for Hot Wheels spread through the staff and eventually reached a toy car blogger, John Lambert, who posted a call for cars to give to Ethan on his site. This message created an outpouring of kindness from hundreds of strangers around the world.

“From Nevada to New Zealand, Ethan has opened up each package and we have read him every note. We have covered the walls in our home with thoughtful notes of get-well wishes and tender stories of Hot Wheels memories. We have gathered our friends and family to watch Ethan open up his packages so they can witness the good in the world. There is not a dry eye in the room as we read stories of sick children sending cars to Ethan to sentimental collections given to us from complete strangers,” Ethan’s mom, Michele, told PEOPLE.

Eventually, the attention surrounding Ethan’s story made its way to the toy makers themselves, who decided to contribute to the boy’s recovery with a unique treat: a custom Hot Wheels car made just for Ethan.

On Monday, Phil Riehlman, lead designer at Hot Wheels, flew to Provo, Utah, to visit Ethan at home, where he is currently recovering, and to present the 3-year-old with the special ride.

“Presenting Ethan’s Hot Wheels on behalf of the team was an absolute honor. Ethan’s courage, strength and passion for cars is something that s truly inspiring for us. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the positivity Ethan brings to his family and community than with a special one-of-a kind vehicle designed just for him,” Riehlman said of the moment.

The designer met Ethan in the boy’s sanctuary, a basement turned toy car parking garage filled with thousands of the toy cars, notes and other gifts Ethan has received over the past few months.

“When Ethan came home from the hospital, he was too weak to even walk. With all of the packages, our basement turned into a Hot Wheels City and it helped with Ethan’s recovery. He was able to sit and play all day with his new Hot Wheels,” Michele explained. “The cars gave Ethan security and helped him to focus on something else besides the sickness and pain. The generosity of others helped Ethan come back to life.”

To ensure Hot Wheels was creating Ethan’s dream car, Riehlman did a little research.

It was a really fun discovery process. The Hot Wheels design team first started by asking Ethan’s dad, ‘What is Ethan’s current favorite Hot Wheels car?’ The answer was the BMW E36 M3 Race car,” Riehlman said. “The Hot Wheels Design Team got one and set out to personalize it with his photo on the roof, modified graphics to include his name and handpainted detail for the headlights and tail lights. It was then placed in a special display case and signed at the base by our design team.”

Ethan and his family were overjoyed by the honor, and the custom car has quickly become a favorite amongst the boy’s growing collection.

“We simply love the car. It is truly one in a million. Ethan wants to carry it around everywhere and show everyone. He is pretty proud of it,” Ethan’s mom said.

The family is also honored by the boundless support they have received from strangers and plan on using this experience to help others. Michele said that, while Ethan loves all of his cars, he is planning on donating a large number of his new gifts to hospitals for other children to enjoy when they can really use a smile.