Sport Wishes Granted in the 17th Season of “My Wish”

From Sunday, July 14, through Thursday, July 18, the 17th season of ESPN’s “My Wish” series aired daily feature segments on SportsCenter. Since 2006, the series has highlighted more than 80 inspirational sports-themed wishes granted by Make-A-Wish® for children with critical illnesses. This season starred Olympic, NFL, MLB, and NCAA athletes who helped create unforgettable moments for the wish kids who made them their most heartfelt wish.  

Host Chris Connelly shared, “I’ve been part of ‘My Wish’ since its inception, and I’m still just amazed by the resilience, strength, and optimism of the children and families whose stories we share. I think we’re all grateful for the chance to show these wishes restoring hope and happiness to those who’ve had to endure so much.” 

Levi Takes the Field with the San Francisco 49ers

Levi is in remission after a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer and is a proud 49ers fan. On a visit to San Francisco, the 49ers rolled out the red carpet for Levi and his family and created a special menu with his favorite foods. Levi had the chance to run the football field with 49ers star players Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa. He also started a new tradition in the 49ers Wish Garden by planting strawberries.

Laura Swims with Gold Medalist Katie Ledecky

Laura is a swimming enthusiast, and she spent the day with seven-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky. Laura is battling cancer, and she hit a milestone when she climbed out of the pool without using the stairs for the first time since her surgery. ESPN Producer Alex Nolan recalled, “She and her parents were amazed. It was a small but powerful moment that showed her strength and renewed confidence.”  

Laura loves chocolate milk and enjoyed a previously recorded video of Ledecky swimming in a pool while balancing a glass of milk. To end the day, Laura and Ledecky drank chocolate milk from festive island-themed mugs.

Bradee visits Duke Men’s Basketball at Cameron Indoor Stadium

Bradee battled chronic kidney disease for five years before receiving a kidney from his aunt which allowed him to return to playing basketball. Bradee is a true Blue Devils fan. In Durham, he met the men’s basketball players and coaches before their matchup with cross-town rival North Carolina Tarheels. He also met Duke’s former coach, the legendary Mike Krzyzewski.  

Game days at Cameron Indoor Stadium are intense. Fellow Blue Devils fans, better known as Cameron Crazies, welcomed Bradee with open arms.

Yisroel Meets the Miami Dolphins 

As a South Florida native, Yisroel’s favorite team is the Miami Dolphins. He cannot play football due to his health condition, and his wish was to spend time with the Dolphins. Yisroel met Head Coach Mike McDaniel and multiple players from the team. He also played catch with Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ quarterback. “Yisroel is a dedicated Dolphins fan, always watching his hometown team when he can. The chance to throw the football with Tua Tagovailoa is something he will cherish forever. It’s a dream every lifelong sports fan can relate to,” said ESPN Producer Eric Dowling.

Gunnar’s Wish with Dodger’s Freddie Freeman

Gunnar is a baseball fan at heart and his wish to meet his favorite player, first baseman Freddie Freeman, was granted at Dodgers Stadium. ESPN Producer Jen Chafitz shared, “His jaw literally dropped when Freddie surprised him in the Dodgers’ dugout. They played catch on the field, and Freddie presented Gunnar with a signed game jersey. It was a magical moment.” After meeting Freeman, Gunnar took the mound at Dodgers Stadium to throw out the game’s first pitch.  

Disney is honored to be the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish. Since the very first official wish was granted at Disneyland Resort, Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to make more than 155,000 wishes come true globally. The ESPN “My Wish” series is part of the Walt Disney Company’s commitment to delivering joy and comfort to children facing serious illness and the people who care for them. Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America said, “The power of the ‘My Wish’ series lies in the beautiful way that ESPN honors these wish kids and their families by letting them share their inspiring stories with viewers.” 

To learn more about how Disney delivers joy, visit wish.org/mywish