W15H Makes Another Dream Come True
Hello August 29th, 2012Share This Story
For children and families battling life-threatening illnesses, feelings of hope and joy can often be lost. Thursday night’s preseason game between the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles will serve as an opportunity to help restore any of those lost feelings for 15-year-old Mulberry, Florida resident, Garrett Leopold, when he meets Jet’s quarterback, Tim Tebow.
As a baby, Garrett received a heart transplant due to a congenital heart defect. Then, when Garrett turned six, Garrett’s family was devastated by the news that he also had form of cancer called Burkitt’s Lymphoma. Fortunately, following four months of intense chemotherapy, signs of the cancer were gone. Sadly, Garrett is currently awaiting another heart procedure. While the past fifteen years have included many hospital stays, treatments, and uncertainties, none of that has stopped Garrett from moving forward.
Through the Tim Tebow Foundation’s W15H program, in partnership with Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, Garrett will travel to Philadelphia for his special weekend, including a special night with Tebow. Garrett will be given the chance to put aside the thoughts of his congenital heart defect and replace them with unforgettable memories as he spends quality time with Tim during Thursday’s pre-game warm-ups and immediately following the game.
“Our hearts were lightened with the news that our son will have another blessing to share through another storm. Garret is excited to see Tim, who is not just a warrior on the field, but a true beacon of hope to kids that are more familiar with the beeps of machines and monitors than the lights and whistle beeps of a football field,” stated Susan Leopold, Garrett’s mother.
Following his special trip, Garrett will return to Mulberry, Florida with a W15H gift package that includes exclusive W15H luggage, a Nike duffle bag, gift cards for both Nike and Jockey, Tim Tebow’s book, Through My Eyes, a Florida Gators 2008 National Championship book, a personalized bible and more.
For a young man who has battled so much in his life, the W15H experience will offer joy and hope that Garrett and his family continue to pray for.
