Update: The 12 youngsters who wished to attend Super Bowl XLIII were thrilled by the entire experience, including attending what some have called "the greatest Super Bowl ever" between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals. The Steelers' exhilarating last-minute victory capped a weekend full of fun and surprises for the wish kids. They were welcomed with a festive kickoff party at T.G.I. Friday's, chatted and took pictures with several NFL players during an exclusive meet-and-greet at the NFL Experience, and enjoyed every second of Super Bowl excitement at Raymond James Stadium.

Said 16-year-old California wish kid Steven of his experience, "It's a dream come true. It's the most exciting thing I have ever done in my life."

PHOENIX (Jan. 27, 2009) – Reaching Super Bowl XLIII has generated plenty of excitement for the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans. But it doesn’t match the joy 12 youngsters with life-threatening medical conditions will experience because of the game, thanks to the National Football League and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Foundation and the NFL are granting the wishes of the dozen young football fans to attend the Super Bowl between the Cardinals and Steelers in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 1.

The wish kids’ presence continues a long-standing relationship between the NFL and the Foundation, which was founded in 1980. At Super Bowl XVI in 1982, the NFL helped the Make-A-Wish Foundation grant its first Super Bowl wish.

“The NFL has long been one of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s most passionate wish-granting supporters,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. “The league and its 32 teams provide unforgettable wish experiences to Make-A-Wish children throughout the year, whether it’s attending the Super Bowl or NFL Pro Bowl, visiting training camp to meet a favorite player, or being coach of their favorite team for a day. The Foundation appreciates the NFL’s generosity in making our wish kids feel like stars.”

A first-class itinerary awaits the dozen young football fans, who arrive with their families in Florida on Jan. 29. The festivities start that night with a welcome party hosted by Make-A-Wish® sponsor T.G.I. Friday’s®.

The following day, the wish kids will visit the popular NFL Experience Presented By Bank of America, the interactive fan festival where they will be able to test their skills with football-oriented games, displays and entertainment attractions. The wish kids will also enjoy an exclusive meet-and-greet with past and present NFL players at the festival.

The kids and their families are also scheduled to tour Raymond James Stadium, site of Super Bowl XLIII, and enjoy several other activities as they experience the unparalleled excitement of Super Bowl weekend.

Then it’s on to the game between the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers, which each child and a family member will attend through the assistance of the NFL.

Following is a list of the wish kids who will attend the Super Bowl:

Name, Age, Hometown (Local Chapter)

Keith C., 12, Tuckerton, N.J. (New Jersey)

Alex C., 18, Apple Valley, Minn. (Minnesota)

Jenna H., 16, Roseville, Calif., (Sacramento & Northeastern California)

Tyler J., 17, Hays, Kan. (Kansas)

Greg K., 18, Orange, Calif. (Orange County & the Inland Empire)

Ureaus M., 12, New Orleans (Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana)

Tate M., 14, San Diego (San Diego)

Tyler N., 14, Grand Prairie, Texas (North Texas)

Steven S., 16, Gerber, Calif. (Sacramento & Northeastern California)

Jeffrey T., 18, Orlando (Central & Northern Florida)

Jaedon W., 13, Yakima, Wash. (Alaska, Montana, N. Idaho & Washington)

Zachary W., 17, Neotsu, Ore. (Oregon)

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation: The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 66 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 26,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 174,000 wishes in the United States since its inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit www.wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.