Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that has been granting wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses for 20 years, and the Indiana Pacers granted a Wish Kid’s dream of sitting courtside during his favorite NBA team’s game.

Wish Kid Nicholas Hirsch, who was diagnosed with the life-threatening illness of Crohn’s disease, had his forever wish granted when Kids Wish Network sent him and his family to Indianapolis, IN, where the national non-profit worked with the Indiana Pacers to give Nicholas a pre-game courtside seat to watch the team’s standout athletes warm-up. 

Nicholas also made an appearance on the jumbotron in Banker’s Life Fieldhouse to introduce the Pacemakers dance team and was introduced to WNBA champion point guard for the Indiana Fever Briann January. 

“Helping to grant wishes and being able to help with experiences like this will never get old; I will always have that excited butterfly in my stomach and tear of joy in my eye,” said Roberta Courtright, member of the Pacers Sports & Entertainment team who helped in making arrangements for Nicholas to attend the game. 

“It means so much for our Wish Kids and their families to take a break from their illness when we are able to grant them such a wish,” said Anna Lanzatella, executive director for Kids Wish Network. “We are so pleased to work with organizations like the Indiana Pacers who help to put smiles on the faces of these children facing unimaginable circumstances.” 

The Indiana Pacers join a long list of celebrity organizations that have supported Kids Wish Network in making come true the heartfelt wishes of children facing life-threatening illnesses.

Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides for trip expenses, meals, accommodations, and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs, and refer a child now.