The New York Giants have a challenge to face … a Super Bowl XLVI match-up with the New England Patriots. And a challenge looms for Giants fan Frank. Soon, he will get a bone marrow transplant. The Giants and Frank both need a dash of courage and a helping of luck.

With the help of Make-A-Wish^® volunteers and sponsors, Frank and his family fly to New Jersey to meet the team. Frank, his mother, father and two younger sisters met Coach Tom Coughlin, quarterback Eli Manning and linebacker Mark Herzlich

“I felt proud that these guys who are football players and coaches took time to step out of their status to come meet with us when they didn’t have to,” Frank’s mother, Maria, says.

Frank enjoyed having lunch with Herzlich, a cancer survivor whose words gave him extra courage to overcome his condition.

After spending time with these athletes, Frank and his family received New York Giants jackets, an autographed football and other memorabilia.

“It was unbelievable,” Frank says.

Maria reveled in those moments seeing her son swept away from worry and fear.

“Words can’t express it,” she says. “He was just so happy.”

But the Make-A-Wish^® experience wasn’t over yet. Frank had the chance to see his team live in action.

Football lifts hearts and minds. The players’ commitment and sacrifice buoys its fans. For Frank, this game brought hope because his team won and he met them. Maybe the Giants and Frank bring each other luck for the obstacles ahead.

Once back home, Maria sees her son and youngest daughter Jaclyn – siblings who never really got along – sitting next to each other replaying the moments they met the team. Frank’s other sister Maryssa is ready to help her big brother as his bone marrow donor.

Though it was Frank’s wish, it left the entire family stronger and more connected than ever.