17-year-old Kal-El from Andrew, Maryland, is a die-hard Clemson football fan. Despite having a heart condition, Kal-El has a sunny disposition and finds joy in spending time with his family. According to his mom, Kal-El talks about Clemson all day every day. When Kal-El met with his wish granting volunteers, he was even sporting a Clemson shirt. Soon into the conversation with the representatives from Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, it became clear what Kal-El’s was: Kal-El wished to have a Clemson Football Experience and become an honorary Clemson Tiger!

Kal-El’s dream became a reality, when he, his parents, and his younger brother embarked on a journey to South Carolina. They were welcomed into the Clemson Football family with open arms and given the ultimate star treatment.

Their weekend itinerary was a Clemson fan’s dream: Kal-El and his family had a tour of the revered Reeves Football Complex (ROC), a team meeting with the coaches and football players, a meet and greet with the football players, and they also had the opportunity to meet with the Clemson Athletics Branding Institute. The cherry on top was when Kal-El had professional photoshoot thanks to Clemson Football and Dabo’s All In Team Foundation. He dressed up in Clemson football gear, posed with a Clemson football helmet, truly becoming an honorary Clemson Football player.

Kal-El’s Clemson wish was a wellspring of inspiration. He returned home not only as an honorary Tiger, but a beacon of hope, reminding everyone around him that courage and passion can conquer any obstacle. His story serves as a powerful reminder that the Clemson spirit not only lives within the players, but also in the hearts of its most dedicated fans.

We would like to thank RBR Technologies for supporting Operation Dream Maker. Your gift goes beyond financial aid; it becomes a brushstroke that paints cherished memories and the melody that carries families through trying times.

Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic honors our uniformed services families, with wish kids like Kal-El whose parents are serving or have served in the military.