William is a happy, energetic and athletic little boy despite a heart condition that required 3 open heart surgeries - the first of which took place at only 3 days old.  Always a sports fan, William was shooting baskets from his hospital bed right after one of his surgeries! Now 8 years old, William’s health continues to improve as he grows and gains strength.  

When William was told he was having his most heartfelt wish granted he knew exactly what he wanted to do. William dreamed of one day seeing an Arsenal soccer match in London, England as he was quite literally born to be a fan. His parents gave him the middle name Gunner after the nickname of the Arsenal team - The Gunners! 

It all started with a limo ride to the airport which was incredibly impressive to a 7-year-old boy and his younger siblings. Once in England the whole family got to explore the English countryside, ride the London Eye and take in all the sites. On game day William and his dad experienced indescribable joy from the minute they arrived. As dad, Jeremy explained, “They really rolled out the red carpet for him.” William watched the teams disembark their busses less than 5 feet from where they were standing. He and his father were escorted to an executive box to watch the match. They had lunch at a reserved table in the exclusive dining room where William received a personalized program, a gold necklace identifying him as a special guest, and the gift of finely crafted club scarves. “Definitely a once in a lifetime day” as his father describes it. 

To see his son filled with such awe and happiness was a truly magical moment for Jeremy. “My son was less than 3 feet away from his heroes that day.” But really, the heroes are people like you. For still believing in the hope a wish can bring and for transforming the lives of William and his family. They have shared something as a family that will remain with them always.