Gamer Gets a Big Win with Kids Wish Network, Purdue University and Dell on His Team
West Lafayette, Ind. – November 18, 2024 – It was an evening of camaraderie for Hunter and his teammates. They just played their final soccer game of the season and were all together for a special team dinner. Hunter had no idea they were actually there to celebrate a big win for him! Coach Colt shared the exciting news that Kids Wish Network was making Hunter’s dream come true. His family would soon be traveling to Purdue University for Hunter to join the varsity Rocket League Team for a scrimmage at the epic Alienware Purdue Gaming Lounge. Although Hunter is well skilled on the physical soccer field, he needed to start an e-athletic training regimen to compete at Purdue.
Kids Wish Network flew his family to Indiana, and from the moment they arrived, everyone at The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University, as well as the Recreation and Wellness team at Purdue University warmly welcomed Hunter and went above and beyond with an outpouring of hospitality. It was a magical feeling being surrounded by so much kindness, support and special generosity from everyone involved in his momentous wish.
His Purdue VIP experience began at a home football game, cheering on the Boilermakers from their suite fully stocked with food, beverages and desserts, courtesy of the university’s provost office. Hunter was also gifted a Purdue jersey, and was honored by a special visit and performance from the school’s marching band. He was already welling up with Purdue pride.
The most impactful day began at the university’s recreational sports center. Hunter felt official receiving his varsity game jersey customized with his gaming handle from the Purdue Recreation and Wellness team. Before his much anticipated scrimmage, Hunter and his family were given a private tour of the campus and learned all about its rich history. It made him feel even more connected to the school and his surroundings, and opened his mind to the possibility of attending Purdue University some day. And then it was game time! They made their way to the state-of-the-art Alienware Purdue Gaming Lounge, and Hunter joined his varsity teammates as an integral part of the 3-on-3 scrimmage. It was fast-paced, and even under pressure, he scored two goals and had several assists. There were many fist bumps and bonding over scored points, a brotherhood between teammates had been formed.
There was still more to Hunter’s wish. The Dell account executive that helped to make Hunter’s wish a reality, graciously presented him with a top-tier Alienware gaming laptop and accessories donated by Dell Technologies. As a passionate gamer, Hunter was awestruck by the magnitude of his extraordinary gift. Hunter has maintained contact with his Purdue Rocket League teammates, and continues multiplayer gaming with them now that he’s back home.
His family enjoyed luxurious accommodations at the iconic The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University, The Autograph Collection, who generously donated their stay. The hotel also provided gift cards for his family to dine at its restaurants 8Eleven Bistro and Leaps Café, and surprised them with a charcuterie board and chocolate covered strawberries in their room. Hunter also received a gift voucher to play esports at the Boiler Game Mine inside the Purdue Memorial Union. Their memorable dining experiences continued with dinner at The Tap Brewery, and lunch at Lafayette Brewing Company, with their meals courtesy of the restaurants.
“The amount of compassion that went into this wish from all sides was incredible,” said Hunter’s mom, Michelle. “This wish really changed his life, it got him thinking about his future,” said his dad, Travis.
So many caring people teamed up to make Hunter’s dream come true, and it profoundly impacted his outlook on life. All of the support and experiences have him feeling excited about the newfound possibilities for his future.
Hunter was born premature with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a kidney disease that affects the filters in the kidneys, leading to scarring and damage. Hunter just recently moved from stage 1 kidney disease to stage 3, and will eventually need a kidney transplant.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Hunter without the help of Purdue University, Alienware/Dell, Purdue Union Club Hotel, Lafayette Brewing Company, The Tap Brewery, 8Eleven, Leaps Café, Coach Colt, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.
Sponsors:
Purdue University: https://www.purdue.edu/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/PurdueUniversity/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeatpurdue/
Purdue Union Club Hotel: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/indwk-the-union-club-hotel-at-purdue-university-autograph-collection/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0
FB: https://www.facebook.com/marriottbonvoy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marriottbonvoy/
Dell: https://www.dell.com/en-us/gaming/alienware
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Alienware/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alienware/?hl=en
Lafayette Brewing Company: https://lafbrew.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lafayettebrewing/?fref=ts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafbrew/
The Tap Brewery: https://thetapbeerbar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetapbeer/
8Eleven Bistro: https://www.8elevenbistro.com/?scid=feed67b0-9a2f-4de1-8df6-114544116108
FB: https://www.facebook.com/8ElevenBistro/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/8elevenbistro/
Leaps Café: https://www.leapscoffee.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/leapscoffee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapscoffee/
Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs.
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.
Every kid’s wish is worth the investment because every wish changes a life.
If you would like to sponsor a child’s wish, or if you know a child who is suffering from a life-threatening illness and may be in need of Kids Wish Network’s wish-granting services, please call 727-789-0008.