Georgia Teen Attends National League Football Game with His Favorite Team

CUMMINGS, GA (November 2020):  On November 29, 2020, the Atlanta Falcons beat the Las Vegas Raiders in an exciting game. In a season where many fans only wish they could attend a professional football game, 16-year-old Tanner Lucero was one of the few who got to cheer the Falcons to victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Tanner’s path to the Falcons game was not one he and his family would have chosen. In January of 2020, Tanner had a stroke followed by two brain surgeries. The teenage years are difficult to manage in general, and the stroke and surgeries left the whole Lucero family facing many complicated and unique challenges. 

Tanner’s Biggest Fans Shared In The Surprise

In mid-November, Kids Wish Network facilitated a video chat with Tanner and several of his biggest fans. Seventy-five classmates, teammates, and coaches from North Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia, teamed up to surprise Tanner with great news. Everyone cheered when Tambra Fulk, Wish Department Manager for Kids Wish Network, told Tanner that the Atlanta Falcons had invited him and his family to attend the November 29th Falcons game. Not only would he get to see his favorite football team play, but he would also be watching in-person from his very own private suite, complete with food and drinks. Tanner’s eyes grew wide with amazement and gratitude. He did not expect to receive such a big wish. 

There was one more surprise. Tanner received an extra ticket to share with a friend. It didn’t take him any time to know which friend he would invite. After Tanner’s stroke, his best friend Bryar had jumped into action and created a Go Fund Me account, raising over $15,000 for Tanner’s medical bills. Kids Wish Network arranged a second video call on Thanksgiving so Tanner could invite Bryar to share the experience with him. Tanner said, “Bryar has always been there for me.” There was so much joy in being able to give something back to Bryar.

Tanner Cheers The Falcons to Victory

When the day of the game arrived, the excitement was overwhelming. Tanner, Bryar, and Tanner’s family enjoyed watching the Falcons from their private suite on the 50-yard line, just feet away from the announcers’ booth. It’s a toss-up which Tanner enjoyed watching more—the game or the commentators. Since he had never previously been to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Tanner was thrilled to explore the venue during halftime. 

Tanner pictures a future career in sports management, so he eagerly absorbed every aspect of the experience at the game.  “I was with my best friend and family, and it was great being able to all share this together for the first time,” Tanner commented. It didn’t hurt that his beloved Falcons trounced the Raiders 43-6.

Many Thanks 

Thanks to the generosity of the Atlanta Falcons, Amy R. Sirmons with the Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Kennesaw Town Center, Vandreena Cotton-Meeks with VNC Photography, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. 

Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about the different programs. 

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Kids Wish Network has been making dreams come true for children since 1997. We are dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children experiencing life-altering situations. We started with the single purpose of granting wishes to children suffering from life-threatening conditions but have since created additional programs to benefit kids nationwide, including Hero of the Month, Project Toy Drop, Holiday of Hope Gift Banks, and A Child Forever Funeral Assistance.