Wish is a Heartfelt Touchdown at the Pro Football Hall of Fame
CANTON, Ohio (May 2024): Lucas was at home enjoying family time with loved ones when his grandfather made a heartfelt announcement. He was so happy to share that Kids Wish Network was making Lucas’ dream come true, sending him to the Pro Football Hall of Fame! He was also gifted a football to bring along for autographs, and it would turn out to be a very impactful gift. The exciting news was further celebrated with an artfully decorated football cake, kindly donated by Walmart Supercenter in Pounding Mill.
Kids Wish Network flew his family to Ohio, and Lucas was treated like a VIP. His family was the first to board, and he was announced as a special guest over the loud speaker. It was just the beginning of all the special attention and support he’d receive.
Lucas’ wish trip was full of meaningful moments. Some major highlights were touring the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum, and spending time with Hall of Famer Donnie Shell. It was incredible having exclusive one-on-one time, learning even more about him and his career. “He was so down to earth and just a humble guy,” said his dad Joe. Donnie also escorted Lucas to the room with all the bronze busts of each Hall of Famer, and showed him his own sculpture. Their conversation continued to flow, and Donnie also signed Lucas’ football. “He wrote some meaningful stuff,” said his dad. “He didn’t just sign his name, he personalized the autograph which was amazing.”
Lucas also received a treasured gift from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a signed football of nearly all the Class of 23 honorees. They also provided lunch at their café, and during the meal, Lucas’ tour guide brought a replica of the first Super Bowl ring and Rams Super Bowl ring for him to try on. “It was so cool, I never imagined I’d have a Super Bowl ring on my hand,” said Lucas. The museum went all out, even pulling special items from their archives to show Lucas. They also invited him to shop for whatever he wanted at the gift shop. It was a surreal afternoon, and his special mementos will continue to spark his happy memories. The Pro Football Hall of Fame provided his once-in-a-lifetime experience.
His family additionally toured the entire stadium at Hall of Fame Village. The special experience was courtesy of the attraction, and included going on the field, seeing the locker room, exploring the suites, and Topgolf simulator gaming.
During the wish, they dined at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Tlaquepaque Mexican Restaurant, and Samantha’s Downtown who warmly welcomed Lucas with lots of hugs, and a balloon arrangement in the Colt’s colors, his favorite football team. They also had dinner at the Brew Kettle & Topgolf Swing Suites with a spectacular view of the stadium. The Topgolf bay elevated dinner, getting to play virtual games on its state-of-the-art simulator. All of the restaurants made his dining experiences memorable, and graciously supported Lucas’ wish providing his family’s meals. Don Shula’s American Kitchen also invited his family to dinner.
Beautiful accommodations were generously provided by the Double Tree by Hilton Canton Downtown.
“Thank you all so much, you went above and beyond,” said Lucas to his wish coordinator. “It was so perfect. I couldn’t have dreamed it any better.”
Before Lucas’ diagnosis, he began having symptoms that weren’t expected to be serious. He then started feeling worse, and collapsed while walking. Initial testing wasn’t worrisome, but over time, further testing revealed a shocking diagnosis. He had Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. He first underwent treatment for his red blood cells, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Lucas is now in remission.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Lucas without the help of Double Tree by Hilton Canton Downtown, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Hall of Fame Village, Don Shula’s American Kitchen, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Tlaquepaque Mexican Restaurant, Samantha’s Downtown, The Brew Kettle & Topgolf Swing Suites, Walmart Supercenter #2761, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.
Sponsors:
Walmart Supercenter #2761
https://www.walmart.com/store/2761-pounding-mill-va
Double Tree by Hilton Canton Downtown
www.hilton.com/en/hotels/cakcodt-doubletree-canton-downtown
FB: www.facebook.com/DoubleTreebyHiltonCantonDowntown
IG: doubletreebyhiltoncantonohio
Samantha’s Downtown
www.sunnysamanthas.com/samanthas-downtown
FB: www.facebook.com/p/Samanthas-Downtown-Restaurant
Tlaquepaque Mexican Restaurant
https://canton.tlaquepaquemexrest.com/
FB: www.facebook.com/p/Tlaquepaque-Canton
Pro Football Hall of Fame
FB: www.facebook.com/ProFootballHOF
IG: profootballhof
Hall of Fame Village
FB: www.facebook.com/HOFVillage/
IG: www.instagram.com/hof_village/
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
www.bjsrestaurants.com/locations/oh/canton
FB: https://m.facebook.com/p/BJs-Restaurant-Brewhouse
IG: bjsrestaurants
The Brew Kettle & Topgolf Swing Suites
FB: www.facebook.com/brewkettlecanton/
IG: thebrewkettlecanton
Don Shula’s American Kitchen
FB: www.facebook.com/DonShulasAmericanKitchen
IG: donshulas
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.