Seahawks and Make-A-Wish Foundation Grant a Nautilus Student’s Wish
Apparently, defensive lineman Brandon Mebane of the Seattle Seahawks isn’t very fond of spiders. He likes to sing in the shower too. Those are just some of the personal details he shared with Alex Bradshaw and his entire fourth-grade class during an event in Bradshaw’s honor at Nautilus Elementary Sept. 27.
Bradshaw is the recipient of a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He wished for season tickets to the Seahawks. His wish was granted, along with a visit from Mebane, defensive tackle Clinton McDonald, two Sea Gals and Blitz, the Seahawk mascot. All was celebrated with a cake and pizza party, which Bradshaw wished to share with his entire fourth-grade class at Nautilus.
Bradshaw became involved with Make-A-Wish last year at the suggestion of his doctor. He was undergoing a series of medical procedures to restore proper function to his intestines and bowels. He was unable to attend school most of the spring and recently had his final surgery. Bradshaw is recovered now and back in school full-time.
“We went through the sickness last year and now we’re celebrating his health,” said Nautilus principal Stacy Lucas.
Bradshaw wished for Seahawks tickets over the summer, but didn’t learn that his wish was granted until the beginning of the season, when Mebane stepped in and offered to pay for the season tickets out of his own pocket.
“We’re really liking that Brandon (Mebane) stepped up,” said Donna Verretto, Make-A-Wish Vice President of wishes and operations. “Because of his generosity we were able to do this.”
Mebane said he got involved because he wants to help improve children’s lives and encourage them to keep fighting. In addition to the four season tickets, Mebane offered Bradshaw a signed jersey, a helmet, a football and a bag filled with Seahawks memorabilia. He also played catch with Bradshaw and other students. During an upcoming Seahawks game, Mebane will wear a band on his arm in honor of Bradshaw.
“I was just thinking, ‘wow, I can’t believe he’s really here,’” Bradshaw said of meeting Mebane. He added that Mebane is now his favorite football player and that he hopes to play football himself one day.
As a thank-you to the Seahawks, Nautilus students made gift baskets with tomatoes and flowers from the school garden. They also gave pesto, homemade with basil from the garden.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation works to grant wishes to children who are battling life-threatening medical conditions. Since it’s inception in 1980, the organization has granted more than 200,000 wishes.
Posted: September 26, 2011