“I wish to announce the Steelers’ first-round pick in the 2010 Draft.”
Zach , age 15
Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana Chapter
   
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This wish story makes me feel:
  

Fifteen-year-old Zach lives in a small town in southeastern Kentucky, but his heart is firmly planted in a football field in Pittsburgh. An avid Steelers fan, Zach is also a perpetual optimist – “Everything happens for a reason,” he told Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Colin Dunlap.

Even leukemia, he believes. Doctors diagnosed his condition in August 2009, after Zach – not even old enough to have a driver’s license – experienced a heart attack. Eight months later, after countless medical procedures and rounds of chemotherapy, Zach went to New York City to have his deepest wish granted: announcing the first-round NFL draft pick for his beloved Steelers.

Wearing a brand-new suit and, of course, a gold tie in tribute to his favorite team, Zach arrived at Radio City Music Hall for the 2010 NFL Draft. While waiting for his big moment, he hung out backstage with first-round picks Sam Bradford, Ndamukong Suh, Trent Williams, Eric Berry and Dan Williams. He also had the opportunity to meet and chat with Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner.

When the time came, Zach approached the podium without a trace of nerves and announced, “With the 18th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Maurkice Pouncey, center, Florida.”

Zach could have wished to meet a favorite player or go to a game, but he wanted his wish to be something no one else had done before. “I wasn't nervous,” he said after announcing the draft pick. “I mean, I've been through a lot already in my life."

His confidence, no doubt, stems from his unflinching optimism in the face of so much adversity. During the initial stages of chemotherapy, Zach wasn’t afraid. "It has all been tough," he told Dunlap. "But I've always kept positive."

In Zach’s mind, good can come from everything – even leukemia. “[My wish] was, probably, the best day of my life so far,” he explained to Dunlap. “I think about it – if I hadn’t been sick, I wouldn’t have been given this opportunity. I wouldn’t have been able to go to the draft. So, like I said, everything happens for a reason.”

With optimism like that, the Steelers are lucky to have such a solid fan on their side.

Photo: David Drapkin/NFL

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Inspired Thoughts

  • What a great wish - and what a great attitude.
    - Em 06/14/2010 9:40
  • This was a great story! I am so glad you got your wish. That had to have been a great experience to be a part of the NFL draft. I appreciate your optimism and attitude. Good luck!
    - Connor 09/26/2010 7:50
  • We are glad to hear that your wish got fulfilled. Your wish is very unique and we think it is a cool wish. Your a very inspirational person and people can learn a lot from you. GO STEELERS!!
    - jack, billy, dan 09/24/2010 8:56
  • I'm glad that he got to something very cool like that. He is such an inspiration to people. I hope they let make-a-wish kids announce first round picks every year
    - Devon 09/24/2010 7:16
  • My thoughts about this story is that this kid is really happy. He thinks everything happens for a reason which gives me a lot of respect for him. He is really good at knowing everything happens for a reason.
    - Rafael 09/23/2010 11:11
  • Hey Zach, congratulations on your wish! I know you have been through a lot, and you deserved to have that amazing opportunity. I hope you are doing well, Nathan.
    - Nathan 09/23/2010 10:33
  • hey Zack, i just read your story and i thought it was really cool. i know that would be very fun to do. i hope your doing well. go Steelers.
    - jesse coleman 09/23/2010 10:28
  • Zach, We think that you had an awesome dream! We are so jealous of your dream! We hope you get better, and we're praying for you! God bless!:)
    - Jay, Jack, and Ray 09/23/2010 7:31
  • Zach, you are truly an inspiration to us all young & old. I am also an avid Steeler's fan, at this moment my mother is fighting lung/kidney Ca. And like you she is a strong positive individual through the chemo/pain she endures on a daily basis. May God bless & keep you always. And before I go may I say, I only hope & pray I can muster up half of the courage you possess young man !
    - robin 10/07/2010 8:13
  • Hey zack great choice very original..
    - John 10/21/2010 13:49
  • You may have been given lemons from your illness, but you definitely made some great lemonade - both with your wish and your attitude!
    - Elyse 11/09/2010 18:27

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