Whether it’s playing the game on a hometown field or sitting in the seats behind the dugout at a major-league stadium, baseball brings dreams to life for many kids, including Jonathan. His wish was to go to the 2009 MLB All-Star Game in St. Louis with his family.

After undergoing surgery for an unrelated condition three years ago, Jonathan was diagnosed with a life-threatening blood disorder. In fact, Jonathan spent his 10th and 11th birthdays in the hospital because of complications.

“He is at risk when doing things normal kids can do,” said Jonathan’s mother, Lori. “This doesn’t stop him from playing rough, though – he is all boy. The disease does limit the sports he can be involved in, so no football or ice hockey.”

Five days in baseball heaven

Jonathan wished to attend the 80th MLB All-Star Game in St. Louis so he could meet his favorite players – Boston Red Sox outfielder Jason Bay was at the top of his list – and see them in action.

Jonathan spent five days in St. Louis with his parents, soaking up the excitement of the numerous All-Star events. Major League Baseball welcomed Jonathan and the seven other wish kids with a private reception to start the weekend. Sunday, they enjoyed the Futures Game, which matches baseball’s top minor-league players, and the Legends & Celebrity Softball Game from a luxury suite.

He was thrilled as his wish experience continued Monday, attending the press conference where the All-Star Game’s starting lineups were announced. Jonathan also watched winner Prince Fielder and the game’s top sluggers put on a power display at Busch Stadium in the Home Run Derby.

Jonathan’s wish experience was complete Tuesday when he met many of his favorite players during the All-Star Game Red Carpet Show and then headed back to Busch Stadium to see the American League edge the National League once again in the All-Star Game.

Much more than a game

“I don’t know how to describe how it feels,” Jonathan said. “I will never forget it! I could have never imagined all of it happening.”

But for this 13-year-old, attending the 2009 MLB All-Star Game was more than just about baseball, according to his mother.

“[The wish] has given us a rejuvenation we all needed,” Lori said. “It enriched our lives and made my son’s dream come true. When my son’s dream came true, so did mine.”

- Jonathan's wish story was made possible through the hard work of the Rhode Island Regional Office