Past and present dreams realized
ESPN and Make-A-Wish have partnered to help children experiencing critical illnesses meet and spend time with their favorite athletes for 18 seasons. More than 80 wish kids have allowed ESPN to document their dreams becoming reality.
To continue the tradition this year, "SportsCenter" presents four new stories featuring the Minnesota Vikings, Savannah Bananas, Houston Texans, and super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.
My Wish 2025
Two NFL teams, an exhibition baseball team and a super-middleweight boxing champion granted wishes in 2025.
Minnesota Vikings
As Aiden battled leukemia last year, his brother Ryan matched as his bone-marrow donor. So, when Aiden chose to spend time with the Minnesota Vikings for his wish, he insisted that his big brother be included too.
Savannah Bananas
"Bear" looks like the typical, sports-crazy 11-year-old, and he stays active despite his genetic condition. His wish was to be a Savannah Banana for a day, where the team required him to have "the most fun of your life."
Houston Texans
John could see the Texans stadium as he would recover from open-heart surgeries. For his wish, he asked to meet Texans star quarterback C.J. Stroud, where the two connected on the field and at a spiritual level.
Canelo Alvarez
Chasing a dream of one day becoming a professional boxer, Alejandro's routine includes sparring, shadow boxing, and breathing treatments to manage his cystic fibrosis. His wish was to meet his boxing idol, two-time undisputed super-middleweight champion.
Wish Archive
Since 2006, ESPN and Make-A-Wish have captured unforgettable moments, as wish kids shared their brave journeys with the athletes they admire.
