Years ago, Asher's dad volunteered with Make-A-Wish Illinois, even getting his company involved as a sponsor. Little did he know that one day, he would be part of Make-A-Wish again, this time as a parent of a child with a critical illness.

Asher is a loving 14-year-old who was diagnosed with a heart condition at age 12. The diagnosis was sudden and shocking to the family, and Asher experienced many complications. It was during this time that his medical team referred Asher to Make-A-Wish. Throughout treatment, he fought hard and pushed himself to be able to recover. After spending about a year in the hospital, he received a lifesaving heart transplant. 

“He has been one of the strongest and bravest kids I have had the pleasure of taking care of in my time as a nurse,” one of his medical team members wrote in their referral notes to Make-A-Wish. 

Asher shared his dream to attend the Chicago Bears home opener in iconic Soldier Field. He continued to have many challenges and setbacks with his health, so the idea of a wish gave him something positive to think about.

Working with Make-A-Wish, the Chicago Bears surprised Asher and his family with much more than just tickets to the game, making it a dynamic, once-in-a-lifetime experience for the north suburban teen. First, the Bears invited Asher to team practice at Halas Hall, where he was greeted by several staff members including Chairman George McCaskey.  Ryan Poles, general manager of the team, signed Asher to an official one-day contract, and Asher was thrilled to meet many players. A highlight of practice day was when Asher was invited on the field to break the huddle at the end of practice. 

“You could tell from the excitement that he loved sharing the experience with his sisters,” the Make-A-Wish volunteer accompanying the family shared.

And then, on a sunny September afternoon, Asher and family were at Soldier Field and his dream was coming true.

“It was above and beyond, we really took it all in and Asher was on a high,” his mom Jodi said. She shared that everyone they encountered there was amazing, and Asher enjoyed every minute watching his team win their first game.

On reflecting on the importance of a wish, Jodi described using the “wish as a tool to show your kid there is so much to look forward to and there’s a positive path ahead.”

Asher now goes to school full time, goes to physical therapy, hangs out with his friends at school football games. He is enjoying getting to be a healthy kid again.