Christopher was 25 years old, living away from his family. He was fighting for our country with the Marines in Iraq, when he was told he was also going to have to fight against cancer. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, and was sent home to begin the fight for his life. After a year of enduring traumatic hospital stays, medical tests and treatments, Christopher was referred to Dreams of a Lifetime by a medical student on his treatment team, Ryan Nall. From his limited interactions with him, Ryan could tell that Christopher was a special person. “Throughout his hospitalization, Christopher was resilient; he never complained despite intense chemotherapy and procedures,” said Ryan. “I could tell he continued to live his life with the same strength he showed while serving his country.” When Ryan heard about Dreams of a Lifetime, he knew Christopher was the type of person the program was made for. As Ryan states, “Multiple times during his stay, he shared a wish that he could be back in Iraq, serving with his troop. I was blown away by this statement. In the midst of the hardship in his own life, he still wanted to be serving his country in Iraq.” Ryan could see how much Christopher, even in the midst of his fight with cancer, was still so willing to give. Ryan wanted to be able to give something back to Christopher.

Christopher had always been a fan of the Miami Heat basketball team. His favorite player was guard Dwyane Wade, who led the Miami Heat to its first NBA Championship in 2006. Christopher had dreamt of meeting Dwyane Wade for a long time, and Ryan wanted to help make his dream come true. Ryan contacted Dreams of a Lifetime, who, along with the Miami Heat organization, were able to grant Christopher’s dream. The Dream Team paid a visit to Christopher in his hometown of Orlando to share the good news. Upon meeting him, Dream Team member Jason asked Christopher, “What are you doing on next Tuesday?” Christopher replied, “Going to the hospital for lab work.” Christopher seemed confused and glanced towards his mother, who after being contacted by Dreams of a Lifetime, had already rescheduled the doctors appointments for that day. Jason then told him that he was mistaken, and that Christopher was going to meet Dwyane Wade before the Miami Heat game that day. Christopher was thrilled, and was overcome by tears of joy. Christopher was left speechless, literally: “Wow I don’t know what to say.” Christopher was also told he would be getting a jersey and a basketball signed by the Miami Heat superstar. There were more surprises to come, as Christopher found out he was not just meeting Dwyane Wade, but the entire Heat team. Christopher was joined by his mother, father and sister, who were all given tickets to the game and watched together. Christopher and his family where overwhelmed with appreciation and thanks for Dreams of a Lifetime and the Miami Heat for bringing the ultimate experience to Christopher and providing him with the inspiration to continue fighting.                                                                      

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