Southern Illinoise University Athletics
SIU Football Teams Up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation
11/11/2004 | 12:00:00 | General
Nov. 11, 2004
By Shalae Schulte
www.siusalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University football team will have a new face on the sidelines for the final game of the regular season against Indiana State Saturday, November 13. The Salukis, along with the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, have teamed up to give 14 year-old Brent a wish enhancement to remember.
Brent, a native of Vienna, Ill., is an avid football fan and a follower of the Saluki football team. Brent and his family will attend the pre-game meal, walk to the stadium with the team and join the team on the sidelines and locker room. Brent will also receive an autographed football, shirt and hat from the team.
"Anytime a child is dealing with a medical condition, the whole family is affected," said Make-A-Wish Wish Granter, Ann Limegrover. "We thought it would be nice to give something back to the whole family."
The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Each Wish Child is referred to the Foundation by the child himself, his parents, guardians, or a medical professional associated with that child; the child's doctor determines medical eligibility. Once approved for a wish, the magic happens. It's a combination of passion and dedication from volunteers and donors throughout the area that make a wish come true.
During the Wish-granting process, volunteer Wish Granters enhance a child's wish experience based on the child's interests and hobbies.
"While we are working on Brent's big wish, it's nice to give the family something special," Limegrover said. "It's also a great way for SIU and the community to get involved."
"We are happy to be working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation," Saluki head coach Jerry Kill said. "We hope Brent has a great time and will take some great memories away from his experience."
