I wish to have a Power Soccer Wheelchair
Michael
18
degenerative muscular condition
Michael's Wish Powers Through
Michael’s childhood began as anything but ordinary. After being fostered at age four by his grandparents, at age five, he would have his first open-heart surgery.
Michael in hospital
Doctor’s discovered a hole in his heart, prefacing the long journey ahead for Michael. To help manage his overwhelming medical schedule, Michael’s grandfather retired early to be his caretaker.
Even after becoming permanently wheelchair-bound, Michael continued to hold onto every possible experience that let him just be a kid, including being in his school marching band and hanging out with friends.
While one may assume that losing his ability to walk would hold him back, Michael just rolled with it!
He soon found Power Soccer – a sport modeled after traditional soccer in which players use power wheelchairs to maneuver and kick an oversized soccer ball.
Michael’s greatest dream was to pursue this sport that showcased his abilities, rather than his disabilities. But this dream wasn’t fully attainable just yet.
Since being invited to play on the National Team, Michael had been renting a powerchair as he wasn’t able to afford one on his own.
To purchase one of these wheelchairs, they can easily cost upwards of $8,000 because of the customizations needed for each player.
That day was when the stars truly began to align for Michael as he made his most heartfelt wish to make his dream a reality by wishing to have a power wheelchair!
To help make Michael’s wish reveal even more special, we partnered up with our local MLS team, Sacramento Republic FC and invited Michael’s teammates out for the big reveal at Sac Republic’s field!
Michael’s reaction was humble and heartfelt. His new custom wheelchair included an all-black color scheme, all his requested bells and whistles and finished with a Sac Republic emblem on the back of his chair; a simple reminder that #ItTakesARepublic on and off the field to help make life-changing wishes come true.
But most importantly, it was Michael’s indomitable spirit that made all of this possible.
Michael and his team spent the day kicking it with the Sac Republic while respecting safe social distance protocols.
Although everyone may have been physically distant, there was a feeling of togetherness that reminded us of what life-changing wishes are all about.
For a child who missed out on so many milestones throughout his childhood, his wish on wheels promises hope for his future and for many more milestones to come.