Brayden, 8, and Coleman, 6, have a couple things in common. They are both avid baseball fans; they have both endured and overcome tremendous medical challenges; and they have both been impacted by the transformative power of a wish.

On July 11, the two boys added another commonality to that list: they have both run the bases in front of a sold-out crowd at T-Mobile Park.

Every year, on opening day for the Seattle Mariners, a wish kid gets to run the bases. It’s a longstanding and beloved tradition between the Seattle Mariners and Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington. Coleman was the chosen wish kid this year, marking the 24th anniversary of the inaugural run. It’s an event Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington, the Mariners and spectators look forward to each year.

For Coleman and Brayden’s families, it’s a memory they’ll remember forever.  

In 2019, just after Coleman’s second birthday, he was diagnosed with cancer. As it often happens with retinoblastoma, his parents noticed the tumors when his mother started seeing white flashes in his right eye in photos. Flash photography is an early diagnosis tool.

“If you take a picture of your child with a flash, and they have a white pupil instead of a red one, it’s a sign you need to get checked right away,” said Coleman’s mom, Laurel.

His treatment journey to save his eye and as much vision as possible has been a long journey. He’s undergone three types of chemotherapy, in addition to laser therapy, cryotherapy, and radiation plaque therapy.

In the summer of 2022, Coleman reached remission a third time. Around the same time, a wish became a reality – and for their family, it marked a celebration.

Throughout treatment, Coleman and his family would watch the Mariners and he continued to play baseball. Deciding on a wish was easy. He wished to go to Spring Training.

His wish experience was above and beyond anything they expected. From meeting the team to going to batting practice and eating lunch with the players, Coleman was treated as a member of the team.

“We thought he deserved something incredible for all he’s gone through. His wish is a chance for us to really celebrate what he’s accomplished and to reframe this battle as something he should be proud of,” said Laurel.

A Second Run Before A Wish

Since Seattle hosted the MLB All-Star Game this year, the Mariners called Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington weeks before the star-studded game and asked if a wish kid could run the bases before the first pitch. The answer was immediately yes.

Not long after that, Brayden’s mom got a call. It’s the second time her heart has been filled with joy because of a call from Make-A-Wish. “Would Brayden want to run,” said the staff member. An excited yes echoed from the other end of the phone line.

In front of thousands of enthusiastic baseball fans, Brayden touched each base, waving to fans as they cheered loudly for him ahead of the MLB All-Star Game.

Brayden was diagnosed with cancer in November 2022. Throughout treatment, he would ask his medical team when he could get back to playing baseball. It’s always been a passion and love of his.

“Brayden’s immense love for baseball is what got us through some of his hardest times,” said Samantha.

When Brayden’s family first found out Brayden would get a wish, his family was certain he’d pick something with the Mariners. Instead, he chose to go to Walt Disney World® Resort because he wanted to do something his sister would enjoy as well. Right before he was diagnosed with cancer, his family had planned a trip to Disneyland. Then, their world turned upside down. Their family cancelled the trip and promised once he was done with treatment, they would go.

Thanks to Make-A-Wish, they don’t need to plan anything.