For years, the volunteers, staff and supporters who are closest to Make-A-Wish have recounted stories they’ve heard from “wish families” about the positive, life-changing impact a wish had on their child.
Recently, Make-A-Wish published the results of a survey involving thousands of former wish kids, parents and pediatricians that helps to quantify those claims. According to the 2022 Wish Impact Study, 91 percent of wish parents felt their child’s wish gave them a better chance of surviving their illness; 95 percent of the doctors surveyed said the wish improved their patients’ emotional and physical well-being. And more than 90 percent of the wish kid alums reported that their wish improved their quality of life, brought their family closer together, boosted their self-esteem and gave them hope for the future.
The positive impact of a wish was readily apparent to the team at Alpine Bank, a long-time supporter of Make-A-Wish Colorado, and the nearly 19,000 fans who were in attendance when the Denver Nuggets took on the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on March 24. The guest announcer for the game was 17-year-old Levi L., who has a nervous system disorder and whose wish was to be an announcer at a Denver Nuggets game.
On the day his wish was granted, Levi arrived at the VIP entrance to Ball Arena in a limousine where he was greeted by the Denver Nuggets team and dignitaries. He then took part in a production meeting, a pregame interview with the Nuggets coach, and a tour of the arena and production facilities before being introduced to the fans on the jumbo-tron. As the excitement mounted and the lights dimmed, the Denver Nuggets starting line-up was announced — by none other than Levi!
Next year, Levi will head to Utah State to pursue a degree in broadcast journalism. His wish experience as a Denver Nuggets announcer is a memory that he will always cherish and one that has helped solidify his commitment to pursuing his dreams.
Levi inspired his fans with this sentiment: “If you have a dream, go after it. Even when you have challenges.”
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