Fifteen-year-old Chris does not get discouraged easily. This brave teenager held his chin up through a leukemia diagnosis at age 13 and the numerous medical procedures that followed over the next two years.

It was when his illness impeded his ability to play his favorite sport that Chris finally showed a little emotion. “Chris is amazing,” said his father, Rick. “The only time he was ever brought to tears was when he was told he couldn’t play football.”

His deep love for the game made it easy for Chris to choose his wish when approached by the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® – he wanted to go to the Super Bowl. His wish came true when Chris and his family flew to South Florida in February 2010 to watch the New Orleans Saints take on the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.

Chris and his family describe themselves as “football fanatics,” so they were ecstatic when Buffalo Bills placekicker Rian Lindell met them at the airport in Buffalo for a send-off surprise. Lindell greeted Chris curbside and even carried in one of his bags as they talked about football before the family’s flight departed.

Chris and his family spent the weekend soaking up the Florida sun and the football-infused atmosphere along with 11 more kids who wished to attend the Super Bowl. “I’m so happy that there are foundations like this to fulfill kids’ dreams,” Chris said.

Although his leukemia is currently in remission, Chris still carries with him the lessons he learned from facing a life-threatening illness. “There are some positives that have come out of this,” he said. “It’s made me a stronger person having had cancer.”

With his leukemia in check, Chris is able to get back on the field. A member of the varsity football team at his high school, Chris plays middle linebacker and fullback. His ultimate goal is to wear scarlet and grey and play football for Ohio State.