Seventeen-year-old David has been watching football and playing sports for as long as he can remember. After he was diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, sports became an escape from the effects. He explained, “You just get so entranced in what’s going on that you just forget about everything else.” With a mind so focused on athletics, wish granters with the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of North Texas were probably not surprised to learn that his ultimate dream was to attend Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego, California.

Surprises, though, were in store for David and his family. The night before they left for San Diego and after a day of medical testing, wish granters treated the family to a surprise send-off party in Dallas. Two Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders greeted the teen as he entered the host hotel, where he found a table filled with cake and presents. David’s bon-voyage gifts for his Super Bowl trip included an autographed football enclosed in a case, a coach’s jacket from the San Diego Chargers (his favorite team), hats, T-shirts, cameras and more.

With the wish experience already beginning, the family left for the Golden State. Their first adventure came at the NFL Experience, where David received the VIP treatment with personal escorts. Said David, “I didn’t even have to wait in line for autographs!” The fun included the aforementioned autograph sessions, interviews, video games, coaches chats, souvenirs and a private meet-and-greet with NFL celebrities.

Before long, Super Bowl Sunday arrived, and the family headed over to San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium. David rooted for the underdog Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Oakland Raiders. The Bucs pulled off a victory, much to the delight of their Make-A-Wish^® fan, 48-21.

The next night, a hoarse David arrived back in Texas. In an act of joy, he spread all of his souvenirs around him on the floor. Remembering the experience, his mother offered appreciation, saying, “We want to thank you personally for helping our son David have a great wish come true. The Super Bowl was the crowning moment of his life.”

Nine Make-A-Wish kids and their families will follow in David’s footsteps by attending Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 1, 2004. In addition to cheering on professional football’s top two teams, the children will be welcomed with a pizza party in Houston and will attend the NFL Experience.