Six Make-A-Wish Kids Attend MLB All-Star Game

It’s been more than two years since Erick, 18, played baseball. Last year, he watched a teammate from his youth travel team get selected by the Washington Nationals.

And before that, Erick was diagnosed with cancer.

At first, it was easy for despair to get the better of him. But he soon found new heroes, new optimism – and five like-minded new friends: Erick was one of six Make-A-Wish^® kids who lived their wish to watch the MLB All-Star Game. MLB provided a private suite for all three days of All-Star activities, personalized swag bags for each wish kid, field access during batting practice, access to Fanfest before its public opening and meet-and-greet sessions with players.

Shared Wish Forges Bonds

“I draw inspiration from a lot of people,” Erick tells Yahoo.com, with a gesture at fellow wish kid Steven, 17. “But he’s my motivation to get back on the field.”

Steven lost part of his left leg – yet he’s persevered and returned to playing football and basketball. Erick and Steven bonded immediately … over the shared obstacles they face, the odds they must overcome, the triumph they feel at living an All-Star Game dream.

Fourteen-year-old Scott understands their shared drive to get back into sports. He was diagnosed with Long QT syndrome in the fourth grade. He refuses to let “an electrical short of the heart” keep him from the baseball diamond. Scott just sits out a few extra innings, and his parents stand ready with a defibrillator.

“My favorite thing in life is basically this,” Scott tells the Associated Press. “I love meeting players and I love baseball.”

Adversity and Understanding

Zachary, 13, understands everything Scott says. He struggles with headaches, an after-effect of his bout with brain cancer. Despite the headaches, he will try out for his high school’s freshman team next month.

Muscular dystrophy ended 16-year-old Jose’s baseball-playing days. But he’s grateful for getting to play – and he credits the game with showing him the patience to battle his condition. Not that he thought about it during his All-Star experience.

"I am forever grateful to MLB and the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® for giving me the experience of a lifetime and for the memories of the 2011 All-Star Weekend that will forever stay with me,” he says. “Thank you for the opportunity to realize my wish."

Also attending the game was 13-year-old Bo from Dallas. He was diagnosed with leukemia.

“Bo had the best time of his life,” says his mother, Jennifer.

Beyond a Grand Slam

All six wish kids share a luxury suite – and the memories of meeting their favorite players. Each knows these are moments that can’t be duplicated … and they are powerful memories that can rally them through difficult times.

Erick feels the weight of the occasion, along with profound gratitude for the Make-A-Wish supporters and volunteers who made his wish come true.

"If it wasn't for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I wouldn't be here right now," he says.

“We are very thankful for the generosity of Major League Baseball, the teams, the owners, and the players for their support of wish kids all season long,” says David Williams, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. “Since 1980, the league has granted wishes to go to the All-Star Game. It’s a unique wish experience that creates lasting memories to help children with life-threatening medical conditions.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation thanks Major League Baseball for making six incredible wishes come true. MLB’s generosity provided access and souvenirs that made each wish a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.