Seventeen-year-old Matt looks up to an athlete whose collegiate and professional accomplishments have spanned three decades. Matt's hero is a force on the basketball court, as well as in the worlds of sports apparel, fashion, product endorsements, and movies. Matt wished to meet "His Airness," Michael Jordan.

Wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of North Texas explained to the young basketball junkie that meeting Michael Jordan would take time, but Matt was undeterred. The proof in Matt's resolve lied in his bedroom, which was covered with "Air" Jordan posters, books, and other souvenirs. The teen hoopster decided it would be worth it to tackle the usual two-year waiting period.

Eventually, Matt's wish experience came to fruition. His adventure began with a plane ride to Washington, D.C. Matt and his family were allowed to board the plane first, but the VIP treatment didn't end there. The flight attendants served him warm cookies and milk, and he was invited to tour the cockpit. The star treatment continued with a waiting limousine at the airport in the capital city.

Nine wish families from around the U.S. participated in the rare meeting with Michael Jordan. The families converged on a secret location. Mr. Jordan met them there and spent at least 15 minutes with each family. When it came time for Matt's turn, he had a pair of "Air" Jordan-model basketball shoes to be autographed. He also had a basketball jersey to sign for his cousin. Matt and his idol were captured in plenty of candid and formal snapshots.

At the time, Jordan had retired from playing, but was still part of the game as an executive with the Washington Wizards. Matt and his family watched his hero's new team in action during a game. The family also toured the White House and visited many museums. Afterwards, they said their trip was a "life-moving experience for all of them."