Stephonne's guardian Mark writes...

The trip for Stephonne was beyond anything that any of us could have ever dreamt or planned. From beginning to end, we had an overwhelmingly intense and breathtaking experience. From both the lavish accommodations, to the tremendously delicious dinner. From both your gentle spirit, and from all of your help. From the starry skied stretch limo, to champagne in his 'g-tube'. From meeting some players at the hotel, to watching the kick off on the field. From having 'granddad' being with him, to meeting a champion boxer. From signed game balls, to players sweaty gloves. From 'skyboxes', to locker rooms. From being with team heroes, to shaking hands with the coach.

It really was more than any of us could take in. And it did for the first (and probably the last time in his life) leave him completely speechless. As for me it was as rewarding as anything I have ever done. Just to see him in an element that he so closely associates with, and yet is so far from his normal routine of treatments and medicine and hospital visits. I still am amazed at the genuine and sincere kindness that emanated, not only from yourself, but also from Julie, the players, the coaches, the staff, and absolutely everyone in that sky box!

And I know for a fact that even God was enjoying the weekend with us. How do I know? Well, I had informed the boys that even though we were going to Philly to have a great time, that it was to important a place, to miss out on its rich history lessons. I insisted that they see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc. But that Monday, when we awoke, it was raining and Stephonne asked if we could go to Models until it stopped. Well no sense getting them soaked and sick so off we went. At first we couldn't find your recommended store but we did pass a Wal-Mart, and then a K-Mart, and then a Target before finally finding Models. Guess what, we stopped at each of them, and, they got soaked---but they didn't get sick. Why? Because Stephonne got to do something that he has never done before. Just wander around and buy anything and everything that had "Eagles" on it. Unfortunately, medical supplies consume almost all of the kids available funds. What we need, and buy, are life sustaining essentials, but they aren't purchases that any child would call fun. So for him, that day in the rain was as miraculous and important as anything else we did. He spent 'your-money' with lavish abandon. And although the total dollar amounts were less than some people spend on a fancy meal, in his mind he was the richest man in the world. And so, five hours later, there we were in that van packed with packages to the ceiling. And guess what? It was still raining. So I drove over to Independence Hall and we sat in the van with the windshield wipers going and looked out the rain soaked windows. And from inside of the van they got all the history that they wanted. They then informed me that God liked Models more than He liked the Liberty Bell. "Why?", I asked. Well, because the little rascals had prayed that it would rain so that they wouldn't have to listen to me pontificate on American History. And it did rain. And so as far as they are concerned, God likes Models too!-----almost as much as HE likes the Philadelphia Eagles.

So what can I say------But Thanks. To you, and Make-A-Wish, and Julie, and Glenn and The Eagles and Models and God!

Forever Grateful,
Mark for Stephonne and gang