GO TEAM WISH!

As always, I’m thrilled to tell you about our very own “Dream Team” – our incredible Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan wish kids, families, volunteers, supporters and staff!

Cameron and his Family!

Every child’s wish requires teamwork, so when 12-year-old Cameron decided his one true wish involved spending time with the Michigan State University Spartan football team, we called a quick…huddle. (Please forgive my sports analogies – it’s just too much fun!)

Cameron and his family reside in Muskegon and they are true MSU football fans! Cameron’s passion for MSU and the team helps carry him through the difficulties of his disease, Diamond-Blackfan anemia, a rare blood disorder that requires frequent transfusions.

Cameron had been considering various options for his wish to be granted when he decided what he truly wished for more than anything was to attend an MSU home game and meet the coaches and players.

Cameron and brother, Bryce, with Coach Dantonio

Teamwork came into play because the football season was coming to a close with only two home games remaining in the regular season. We had to rush down the field – or at least send an email and ask for a very fast turnaround! Well that e-mail set in motion an embrace from MSU that was both heartwarming and refreshing!

Within 24 hours we learned that the team and coach Mark Dantonio were excited to make Cameron’s wish come true. Honored, in fact.

With open arms, they surprised Cameron with an invitation to Friday’s practice, Saturday’s team breakfast, the traditional walk to MSU’s stadium with the team, and of course, the game against Western Michigan University.

With post-season bowl eligibility on the line that Saturday, it was wonderful that the team didn’t view our mission as a distraction, in fact, it was a motivation! 

Cameron and the MSU Stars

As we were busily arranging logistics with university and football staff, the MSU Stars, a volunteer campus organization dedicated to supporting Make-A-Wish, planned a fun Friday night pizza party for Cameron!

But first, Friday afternoon, Cameron, his little brother and parents, were welcomed by the Spartan football family with special gear and memorabilia. A special moment came during Friday’s practice when Coach Dantonio had the team “take a knee” and with Cameron right there with the team, the coach told the team about Cameron and his health challenges and his wish. The coach expressed that Cameron’s one true wish was to be with the team, and that they were the lucky ones to have the privilege to take the field with this special young man. How inspiring and extraordinary for Cameron and the players.

Time for Autographs!

On Saturday, Cameron’s dad Justin told the Detroit Free Press that Cameron’s wish experience was “surreal.” “I can’t count how many times he said it was the best day of his life.”

For Cameron’s mom, Tammi, when quarterback Kirk Cousins included Cameron and the family in the breakfast prayer, that was very special. Tammi said she has never seen Cameron smile so much.

Make-A-Wish magic graced Cameron and everyone involved with his wish! He is now clearly a part of the Spartan family – staying in touch with the coaches and players. Maybe some day Cameron will be a Spartan!

Magic and joy spiraled down the field as Cameron’s wish came true!

And everyone won that day! Go State!

You can read additional media coverage Cameron’s wish received by clicking here!

Fondly,
Susan