Matthew, age 16

What an amazing day for Matthew! We arrived at Training Camp and as we got settled on the bleachers to watch practice, Coach Mike Smith comes out to whisk Matthew away. No shyness, just a yes sir and they were off. A quick look at the weight room and they exit the building, but they now have an extra guest with them. Wearing their matching #2 jerseys, Matthew Higgins and Atlanta Falcons Quarterback, Matt Ryan, are now buddies as they head off to the field. Matthew gets to go on the practice field to hang with the team and when practice is over he’s the one in the center of the field to break down the team before they head out. Although the Georgia heat is nothing like the dry heat in CA, Matthew would not take a break. His buddy Matt Ryan supplied him with Gatorade and water to get him through his practice day with the Atlanta Falcons.

After practice he ate lunch as many of the Falcons stopped by to sign his helmet and game ball. He was a little tired but took it all in stride and had an amazing day. Matthew will meet some of the team staff for dinner at the Georgia Dome and get to go on the sideline before the game. One last little surprise before he got in his limo to head back to the hotel, 3 cheerleaders stopped by for photos. What a great way to end such a wonderful afternoon. Submitted by Shavette Turner, Vice President of Program Services and Training Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Georgia & Alabama




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