Football, guitars and Rock n’ Roll…15-year-old Austin is anything but a typical teenage boy. When he is not playing the guitar or instigating a rousing game of football with his friends, he is sure to be rocking out to his favorite band, Blink 182.

 

What sets Austin apart from most teenagers is the fact that he courageously battles Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with an unrivaled determination to be “the winner.” His easy smile and relaxed personality belie the gladiator attitude he wields inside. So when Austin told his wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation that his wish was to meet his hometown heroes and inspiration, Blink 182, we were determined to make Austin’s rock n’ roll “Hall of Fame” heroes a reality to him. 

 

“Sound checks...green rooms....autographs…..”

 

Austin’s wish came true this October. The thrill ride began with limousine service to the airport, where he boarded a flight for San Jose. Upon arrival, Austin was escorted by the assistant tour manager to a “behind the scenes” look at the show’s production where he learned many little-known-facts about the band. And then, a white van pulled up and out jumped the band. Austin couldn’t believe it was finally happening - the idols he had admired from afar were now paying homage to him! After pictures and autographs, high fives and jokes, Austin took a special seat in the arena to enjoy the concert of a lifetime, grinning from ear-to-ear the entire night.

 

Austin returned home with many photos, autographs and memories to share with his friends and family. The star studded experience may be over, but for this special boy the rock n’ roll energy he felt during this once in a lifetime experience will course through his veins forever!

Click below to hear our interview with Austin...

13-year-old Cheyenne is a very artistic young woman who has a passion for painting and drawing.  When she isn’t expressing herself through art, she enjoys playing video games, listening to hip-hop music, and watching basketball, especially Dwayne Wade. 

 

Among the many special qualities that Cheyenne possesses, she is also courageously battling a rare kidney disease.  When presented with the opportunity to have her wish granted, she didn’t hesitate when she said she wanted to meet her favorite actor, George Lopez.  With her radiant smile and enthusiasm, the Make-A-Wish Foundation knew how important this wish was to her.  

 

Her big day took place in July of this year, and started with a limo ride to the hotel, and reservations for a fun-filled family dinner.  Following dinner, they hopped in the limo and headed for the comedy show.  Cheyenne was taken to a special meet & greet, where she realized her wish of finding out what George Lopez was like in real life, was a reality!  She was able to finally meet the man who has instigated her continuous laughs and love for stand-up comedy.  After what seemed like a dream, and with an ear-to-ear grin, Cheyenne was escorted to her reserved seats to continue the fun and laughter. 

 

Although her wish day may be over, her memories, pictures and the autograph will last forever.  Now, watching the George Lopez show has a new meaning.  Aside from the humor, it now represents hope and motivation!

14-year-old Tate is a very outgoing, football enthusiast.  He loves watching the game and especially rooting for the Raiders.  Tate has a great sense of humor, and is thoroughly entertained by the music of Weird Al and the popular comedy show, Seinfeld.  When he isn’t watching football, he can be found playing a variety of video games.

 

Tate’s love for football started at a young age, while admiring Mike Alstott, a fullback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Tate had the great opportunity to participate in the Poinsettia Bowl in 2008, and was chosen to be one of the team captains.  Here he was able to experience what it would be like to be a real football player, and all of the perks that come with it.

 

“Ready…Set…Hike...!”

 

Tate has a form of sarcoma, a cancer of the bones and soft tissue, but is using his strength and determination to win this battle.  The Make-A-Wish Foundation is helping him through his fight by granting his wish of going to the Super Bowl.  He and his family was picked up in a limo and taken to the airport where they flew to Tampa Bay.  In Tampa they met other Make-A-Wish families, toured the Raymond James Stadium, and attended the NFL experience where they got to meet and greet with NFL players!  The fun didn’t stop there for Tate and his family.  They spent a day at Busch Gardens, where they got to do everything from riding Gwazi, their double wooden coaster, to visiting with the Budweiser Clysdales.  

 

The day finally arrived for Tate to attend the Super Bowl, and it was a day that will never be forgotten.  He has autographs, pictures and memories that will all last a lifetime.  For this football fanatic, having his wish granted was a dream come true!

Elephants, Kangaroos, and Spiderman, oh my!  These are just a few of the things that 4-year-old Noah enjoys.  Watching The Wiggles while indulging in some pizza would be an ideal night for this young, vivacious boy.  Noah loves to spend time with his family, whether it’s watching movies or camping.  Roasting marshmallows plays a big part in why camping is on his “favorite activities” list!

 

Running, jumping and having shortness of breath from playing so hard is typical for a 4-year-old, but for Noah, this wasn’t the case.  Starting in infancy, Noah had already experienced far more than any other toddler had; He needed a heart transplant.  Undergoing a very serious, yet successful operation, Noah and his family were faced with challenges from the very beginning.  Now, with his new heart, Noah is able to enjoy all of the wonderful experiences that all 4-year-olds should have.

 

Noah has expressed that his wish is to go to Disney World, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation wants to make that happen for such a special little boy.  He, and his family, will be flying to Orlando, Florida to experience all that Disney World has to offer.  They will get the chance to see the characters at the Disney World parks, the sharks and dolphins at Sea World, and blast off with Jimmy Neutron on his Nicktoon Blast ride!

 

With everything that Noah has been through, having his wish granted and going on this trip of a lifetime is more than deserved.  It’s our hope that he comes back with everlasting memories that will ensure his beaming smile to never leave his face!

15-year-old Elisa is a typical teenage girl who loves sports, video games and popular music. When she is not socializing with her friends and playing her favorite video game, Kingdom Hearts, you might find her honing her musical talents in the Choir or listening to her beloved opera singer, Andrea Boccelli.

 

What is not so typical about Elisa is that she was born with complex, degenerative heart defects. With a gentle, but unwavering determination, Elisa bravely faces challenges that that are daunting for such a young girl. So when Elisa told her wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation that her wish was to visit a movie set, we were excited to make magic happen and whisk Elisa away to her dream - a real movie set with an all-access VIP experience!

 

“Lights...camera....action…..”

 

Elisa’s wish came true this October, when she and her family were invited to visit the Atlanta set of “The Greening of Whitney Brown,” starring Brooke Shields and Aidan Quinn. She returned home a new woman, with many photos and memories of the days spent with the cast and her behind-the-scenes glimpse at the magical world of art and movie making. For Elisa, the hope to strive, dream and achieve her hearts desire was fueled even more!