Volunteer Jeff Novak writes...

Charlie wished a magnificent wish, to be our beloved Eagles coach for a day. Especially significant since he is from New York, and Philadelphia (one again – thanks to the Eagles and ESPN) really rolled out the welcome mat.

He got to go to the locker room (his own locker) to get geared up (coach's clothes) and hit the field with his team. Before that took place, he had a meeting with Andy Reid in Andy's office, where he gave Andy tips on what changes he would make etc. based upon his experience at school and playing with his friends. Then a pre-workout press conference, workout/practice including lots of time on the field and calling a play, tossing the ball with Donovan McNabb etc. Jeff Lurie, Eagles owner presented Charlie with a player's jersey (# 1 with his name on the back) while on the field during practice. Charlie's brothers were given bags of Eagles stuff including hats, shirts etc

Then it was lunch with the team, followed by another press conference. After all that Charlie got to ride on the team bus (police escort) to the playground where the Eagles Youth Partnership did their 10th annual playground build.

This is where I got to break out my camera and get some shots. While there, Charlie and family got to help paint the murals on the school wall, and escort players to an area for them to cast their handprint into a concrete wall. He was interviewed by Radio Disney, numerous TV stations & newspapers as well as ESPN magazine etc.

Words cannot describe the success of this wish event, but with any luck the pics convey the message. For me it was another incredible experience that I was fortunate to participate in.

My thanks to Julie & crew from the Eagles, as well as the players and staff, ESPN and their crew and finally to Charlie's family for being such a wonderful, understanding and lovable group.