Adam Meets Tim Tebow

What seemed like a golden moment in time continues to have lasting impact according to Adam, whose wish was granted more than a decade ago.

“It was such an uplifting experience. Those really were the darkest days of my life and it really just brings this light into your heart.”

At 13 years old, Adam was your typical teenage boy. He loved spending time with friends and playing sports, especially baseball and football. 

When Adam discovered he had a rare disorder, his life was changed forever. In 2010, he underwent a bone marrow transplant, and shortly after suffered a stroke which paralyzed the left side of his body. According to his family, the stroke was devasting because of full recovery was uncertain at the time. 

After having to miss out on his social life and quitting football due to his declining medical state, Adam was incredibly discouraged. At only 16 years old, he struggled knowing that he was different from his friends. That is when he was introduced to Make-A-Wish.

Presented the opportunity to meet someone he admired greatly and his favorite football player at the time, Tim Tebow, Adam was thrilled. The Florida football star and National Championship winner was an inspiration to him. The two spent a fun-filled day together playing video games and bonding over their love for dogs and sports.

Lasting Impact

Adam recently shared with Make-A-Wish volunteers how his wish gave him the strength to keep fighting and to never give up. He is convinced the wish experience was necessary for his rehabilitation and now can see it had a huge impact on his mindset moving forward.

Now, 27 years old, Adam resides outside of St. Louis and works for an insurance company while coaching grade school football in his free time. He completed his degree in sports marketing from the University of Missouri and since his wish has had a kidney transplant and hip replacement because of his disorder.

“You’re going to fall on tough times in this life,” Adam said. “It’s not about the cards that you’re dealt, because you don’t get control over that; it’s about just being resilient, moving on, and overcoming.”