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“I wish to give my high school football team new uniforms”

Darren, age 14

Wish Adopted by: Nike

(pictured: Wish Kid Darren with Todd Melrose from Nike and the San Diego Charger Girls)

“I cannot begin to express the wave of emotions I have after yesterday’s assembly at Patrick Henry. Tears of joy for the health and recovery of our young man Darren’s battle with cancer and the surprise he and the Make-A-Wish Foundation sprung on us at the assembly,” wrote Coach Leroy Daily, head freshman football coach at Patrick Henry High School in San Diego.

And what was so surprising about this end-of-school-year assembly?  It was about a wonderful wish being granted—that very day.  It was about a very generous, heartfelt wish that Darren had expressed without hesitation, when the 14-year-old met with volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego. “I wish to give new uniforms to all the football squads at my high school.” 

Playing on the freshman team’s offensive line for the Patriots brought Darren into a wonderful football family nurtured by Coach Daily, the other coaches, and the parents of the football Boosters.  When Darren was diagnosed with lymphoma after the season, all his teammates and coaches where there for him:  from holding a “Haircut for Darren” event, where they voluntarily shaved their heads when their courageous teammate started losing his hair after chemotherapy, to being supportive in so many ways.

As Darren put it, “The team helped me, the coaches helped me the entire time I’ve been going through this. I felt like I could help them. Their support has been phenomenal.” 

Darren also felt that he wanted his wish granted in time for the upcoming football season. That’s when Make-A-Wish swung into action and connected with professional sports apparel maker Nike to make Darren’s dream come true. 

Although Darren’s family and a few key school administrators knew about the wish, they didn’t know how it would actually happen.  His team, coaches, classmates, and friends had no idea what would be unveiled at the school assembly that day. 

Darren and his family knew something was up when a limousine picked them up from their home and transported them to school with a police motorcycle escort, sirens blaring. When the limo door opened outside the school amphitheater, 2,000 students stood up and cheered in a spectacular welcome. His teammates lined the walkway as Darren, his mom Vivian, and brother Bryan made their way to the stage, accompanied by “Back in Black” by AC/DC. There, his freshman team and the Charger Girls welcomed Darren onstage and presented him with a new football jersey with his number, “66”.

Darren hadn’t been to school in a few months, and many students were unaware of his condition. Darren’s volunteer “Wish Granters” Jon Husby and Michelle Niccum told the gathering about Darren and his unique wish.  Chris Sichel, our Executive Director, asked Darren if he was ready to share his wish with the student body. With Darren’s nod of approval, Nike representative Todd Melrose revealed Darren’s wish:  complete uniforms for not one, but for all three football squads.

Nike’s generosity meant that the 200+ players on the freshman, junior varsity, and varsity squads would get new “home” and “away” jerseys, plus pants and embellishments.  The school’s current uniforms were over 20 years old!  As one of the Booster Club members explained, “Our jerseys are in such bad shape that it’s hard for our kids to get excited and go out and play when they have holes in their jerseys and pants.”

Then, “the place went wild!  Players stood up and were yelling and screaming! The entire student body erupted with pride and gratitude,” Daily described. He was overcome with emotion as he addressed Darren and the assembly. He spoke about building men and the team’s core values:  faith, family, school and football.

The San Diego Charger Girls then presented Darren with Chargers gear and tickets to the Charger home opener, plus a pass for Darren to be on the field during the game.

The assembly ended with hugs and tears shared among all. The football players gathered around Darren and signed his jersey in appreciation. His family’s joy came through as they also shared news that Darren’s doctors had just confirmed that his cancer is dead; a few more chemotherapy treatments and he will be in remission.

Darren’s wish day did not end here:  he and his family and Coach Daily were hosted at Seau’s Restaurant for lunch, where former Charger player Junior Seau presented Darren with a signed football and posed for photos.

Darren is hopeful and excited as he looks towards the future. He hopes to serve as team manager for the upcoming season and play again the year after that.

That Darren wanted to share was especially touching to his parents. “It’s amazing to see that your child understands the concept of giving back and giving to others,” his mom said.

Many thanks to Nike for generously donating the uniforms for the Patrick Henry football team:  this wish would not have happened without their support. Thank you also to the San Diego Chargers and Charger Girls for their gracious participation.

Postscript:  The Charger Girls were inspired by Darren’s dedication and generosity.  When they had an opening on their Water Boy squad, they chose Darren! Watch for Darren on the sidelines at the Chargers’ 2010 home games.