LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Make-A-Wish is making dreams come true for 20 kids from across the country, experiencing life-threatening illnesses by giving them tickets to attend Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.
“I’ve been watching Super Bowl as long as I can remember with my dad and my family,” said Solomon Barber, Make-A-Wish recipient. “It’s a big moment for me because I never thought I’d go to the Super Bowl. I never thought I’d have that opportunity and Make-A-Wish brought that dream to life.”
The Make-A-Wish kids and their families visited the Lids Flagship Store at Showcase Mall on Thursday. Upon arrival, they were met with a big surprise – an appearance from some of their favorite NFL players – Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, and Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
“I walk in, and they cheer for me and I’m equally as excited to meet them,” Adams said. “To hear some of their stories and what they’ve gone through, it kind of brings me strength.”
The kids also received signed merchandise from the star football players, thanks to a generous gift from Fanatics. The sports gear company gave each child a $250 gift card.
“To see these kids here at the Lids store, having a shopping spree and be able to bring some of our professional athlete friends to surprise them, it’s amazing,” said Orlando Ashford, Fanatics chief people officer.
During their time in Las Vegas, the kids will also take a trip to Paradise Card Breaks hobby shop, where they will receive a unique trading cards experience and participate in a “Pack War” event for coveted cards. They will also receive a tour of the Fanatic’s Las Vegas distribution center where each kid will create their custom jersey. And the fun continues with a welcome party at TopGolf.
“Overwhelmed. This is just a dream come true. This is what they wanted it to be, and they are exceeding all of our expectations,” said Shanda Menard, Make-A-Wish mom. “Just seeing the look on (my son’s) face, he’s like ‘Mom, I’m overwhelmed.’ Make-A-Wish, they’ve gone above and beyond.”
The kids may be in Vegas to catch the top NFL stars on the field at Allegiant Stadium, but they’ll be given VIP treatment in the host city. The group will attend the NFL Honors, the Super Bowl Experience, and get a tour of Allegiant Stadium, in addition to being live at Super Bowl LVIII, thanks to the support of the NFL.
“Doctors write the prescription for medication and at Make-A-Wish, we write the prescription for hope,” said Scott Rosenzwig, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada. “If you look around at the faces of these wish kids who all suffer from life-threatening illnesses and their parent’s face, you’ll see so much hope in this room.”
The Super Bowl is annually one of Make-A-Wish’s biggest wish-granting events. Fanatics is the official sports partner of Make-A-Wish. This is the first year Fanatics joined in on the giving this year alongside the nonprofit. This year also marks the most wishes granted at a Super Bowl in Make-A-Wish history with 20 kids.