Changing the Game for Kids with Critical Illnesses
Fanatics and Make-A-Wish
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Fanatics® + Make-A-Wish®
A first-of-its-kind, game-changing partnership supporting sports-related wishes.
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Sports-Related Wishes Supported
Celebrating our First Year of Changing the Game for Wish Kids
Andrew grew up in a basketball-loving household. So, when he had the opportunity to receive a wish, he knew exactly what to wish for – to meet his favorite player, Jayson Tatum, from his favorite team, the Boston Celtics.
Thanks to Fanatics, Andrew's wish came true at the Fanatics and Make-A-Wish Partnership Launch Event. To top off his wish experience, Andrew attended the Boston Celtics game the following day, where he cheered on his new friend and favorite player, Tatum, as he dominated the court!
I wish to meet Jayson Tatum
Andrew, 11
heart transplant
Despite facing a critical illness throughout his life, Carter has never let it sideline his passion for soccer. Whether he's cheering on his favorite team or playing with his brother, soccer fuels his spirit and helps give him the strength to face the challenges of his medical journey.
When Carter received his wish to be a Minnesota United FC player and score a goal, Fanatics made sure he was ready to hit the pitch in style. They decked him and his family out in fan gear and merchandise from the MNUFC team store, making the experience unforgettable!
I wish to be a Minnesota United FC player
Carter, 7
respiratory disorder
Chris looks up to David Ortiz, or "Big Papi", not just for his skills on the diamond, but for his charisma, positivity, kindness, and charitable work off the field. Despite facing a progressive genetic disorder, Chris embodies strength and gratitude, qualities his parents proudly highlight. This resilience is what draws Chris to Ortiz, seeing a reflection of himself in the way Ortiz uplifts others.
Thanks to Fanatics, Chris' wish to meet Big Papi came true with a private meet-and-greet at the inaugural Fanatics Fest NYC! The two exchanged autographed trading cards from one another, thanks to Topps, who created custom trading cards for each wish kid. Chris also scored VIP seating for Ortiz's panel, a private shopping experience at the Fanatics Superstore, a custom Lids hat, tickets for the entire Fanatics Fest weekend with his family and much more.
I wish to meet David Ortiz
Chris, 10
genetic disorder
As quarterback of his youth football team, Chris' passion for the game shines through. While facing medical treatments for leukemia, he draws strength and resilience from players he admires.
Fanatics helped make Chris' wish to meet his favorite quarterback come true during a private meet-and-greet with the one and only, Tom Brady. They tossed a football around and Brady shared invaluable pointers that Chris will cherish with him forever! The wish experience was complete with a weekend at Fanatics Fest, VIP seating at a panel co-hosted by Brady, a private shopping experience at the Fanatics Superstore, and much more.
I wish to meet Tom Brady
Chris, 12
leukemia
Holden is a devoted Toronto sports fan, especially when it comes to the Toronto Blue Jays. When his wish to go to the MLB All-Star Game was granted, Fanatics and MLB made sure to knock his wish out of the park!
From a hospitality suite and custom All-Star Game jersey to designing his very own baseball card, Holden and his family received "MVP" treatment all weekend long. And the grand slam? Surprise meet-and-greets with MLB All-Star Prince Fielder and local MLB legend Fergie Jenkins!
I wish to go to the MLB All-Star Game
Holden, 11
rare disease
Diagnosed with a heart condition at a young age, Jayden has faced many tough rounds of medical challenges and treatments. Since the age of 5, Jayden has turned to golf videos to help him through his medical journey.
When Fanatics heard about Jayden's wish to meet the Good Good Golf content creators, they stepped up to take a swing at helping make it a reality. Jayden flew to Fanatics' Charity Golf Classic, where the Good Good crew surprised him at the welcome reception, and even teamed up with him for the Classic. Together, they finished 3rd in the scramble and then decided to hit the course again for an extra 18 holes!
I wish to meet Good Good Golf
Jayden, 16
heart condition
Cristina, proudly dubbed "The Warrior Princess", loves to watch her favorite WWE Superstars. When asked what she wanted for her wish, she knew exactly what to wish for – to attend the biggest WWE event of the year, WrestleMania! Cristina joined 19 other wish kids at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia for their wish experience, thanks to WWE.
Fanatics, the Official Sports Partner of Make-A-Wish helped enhance these life-changing wish experiences by offering the ultimate VIP treatment at WWE World! Cristina enjoyed exclusive access to the fan event, received a custom title belt and Mitchell & Ness bomber jacket to match her self-proclaimed WWE persona, and had a blast shopping at the WWE World Superstore. She was even surprised with meet-and-greets with WWE Superstars, among many other unforgettable experiences!
I wish to go to Wrestlemania
Cristina, 9
metabolic disease
When Liam's wish to attend the NHL All-Star Weekend came true on his 10th birthday, Fanatics knew they needed to make it extra special. In a surprise move, Liam's favorite player, Auston Matthews, dropped by with a birthday cake and a heartfelt rendition of 'Happy Birthday'! Thanks to the NHL and Fanatics, Liam was also treated to an official NHL All-Star merchandise shopping experience, making it a wish and birthday to remember!
I wish to go to the NHL All-Star Game
Liam, 10
leukemia
Noah's wish to be a Dodger's player for the day was worth the wait thanks to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Fanatics. The once-in-a-lifetime, two-day experience kicked off like any aspiring player's dream – signing a contract with the Dodgers' General Manager! The excitement continued with a press conference, batting practice and the reveal of his custom jersey and locker in the clubhouse. To end with a home run experience, Noah met fellow players and threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the game!
I wish to be a Los Angeles Dodgers player for a day
Noah, 15
pulmonary condition
Ty is a true sports enthusiast, with a particular passion for baseball and tennis. When he's not playing sports, he's an avid card collector, frequenting his local hobby card shops in search of gems featuring his favorite players.
When Fanatics caught wind of Ty's wish to attend the National Sports Collectors Convention, they swung into action to elevate this unforgettable wish experience. Fanatics ensured Ty met a variety of players and helped secure the most coveted autographs on his trading cards. Ty even had a meet and greet with Michael Rubin, Fanatics CEO and Jerry Rice, 49ers Hall of Famer. It was a home run of a wish that Ty will cherish forever.
I wish to go to the National Sports Collectors Convention
Ty, 13
respiratory disorder
As a local bay area resident, Aliyah has long been an avid 49ers fan. When she was presented with an opportunity to have a wish granted, she knew she wanted to meet her favorite team.
Thanks to the San Francisco 49ers and Fanatics, Aliyah’s life-changing wish came true. Aliyah was able to load up on fan gear at the team store, courtesy of Fanatics, before joining the team at practice and giving Deebo Samuel some touchdown celebration recommendations. Finally, Aliyah was the 49ers special guest at the game and, despite her team losing the game, Aliyah declared the day was “the best day ever!”
I wish to meet the San Francisco 49ers
Aliyah, 16
nervous system disorder
Tyson could not have picked a more perfect wish! As a football player himself and a longtime fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Tyson had the opportunity to watch his Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl LVII in Las Vegas, NV.
Thanks to the NFL and Fanatics, the Official Sports Partner of Make-A-Wish, Tyson and 19 other wish kids had a 5-day experience filled with unexpected surprises and memorable moments that will last a lifetime. Prior to the big game, Fanatics hosted the wish kids at a flagship Lids store for a private shopping experience where NFL superstars Davante Adams, Damar Hamlin and Micah Parsons surprised the kids. In addition, the group of wish kids received a VIP tour of the Fanatics fulfillment center where each wish kid had the opportunity to screen press their own custom jersey. Now fully equipped with all the fan gear he needed, Tyson was able to cheer his team to victory in style!
I wish to go to the Super Bowl
Tyson, 10
liver transplant
and Counting!
To celebrate the launch of our partnership, Fanatics, alongside its Founder and CEO Michael Rubin and Make-A-Wish, hosted a wish-granting event in New York City where superstars Tom Brady, Aaron Judge and Jayson Tatum granted wishes for nine inspiring kids. Each wish kid signed an honorary exclusive athlete contract with Fanatics and received their very own custom trading card. The wish kids then spent the day competing in a pack war, getting autographs and running drills and skills challenges with their heroes.
Michael Rubin, Fanatics and Make-A-Wish Partnership Launch
Click on each photo below to learn more about the life-changing wish experiences that Fanatics has helped support during its first year of wish granting.
The official partnership between Make-A-Wish and Fanatics came to fruition after years of Fanatics supporting the organization. The formation of the partnership was championed by Michael Rubin, entrepreneur and philanthropist, after a powerful wish was granted in early 2023 for Beau Smith, a Make-A-Wish kid battling chronic respiratory failure and kidney disease.
With Michael’s support, Beau sat courtside at a Philadelphia 76ers game after attending the pregame practice. Beau also enjoyed a tour of the locker room during which he met several players, including NBA stars James Harden and Joel Embiid. Beau’s joy and infectious energy at the game lit up the arena. Inspired by Beau’s unforgettable day, Michael recognized the opportunity to deepen the impact of Fanatics — which has transformed incredible sports moments into lifelong memories as Make-A-Wish’s Official Sports Partner.
Since October 2023, Fanatics has proudly served as the Official Sports Partner of
Make-A-Wish, supporting sports-related wishes throughout the U.S. and its
territories. Through its 900+ professional and collegiate sports partnerships,
exclusive contracts with top-tier athletes, and brands that are focused on the
sports fan, Fanatics is uniquely positioned to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences
for wish kids and their families. The partnership unlocks access to more than 5,000
athlete relationships and support life-changing wishes around athlete meet-and-greets,
providing premier hospitality during sports events, and gifting wish kids with licensed sports merchandise from their favorite teams and players.
Tyson's wish to go to the Super Bowl
Aliyah's wish to meet the San Francisco 49ers
Ty's wish to go to the National Sports Collectors Convention
Noah's wish to be a Los Angeles Dodger
Liam's wish to go to the NHL All-Star Game
Cristina's wish to go to Wrestlemania
Jayden's wish to meet Good Good Golf
Holden's wish to go to the MLB All-Star Game
Chris' wish to meet Tom Brady
Chris' wish to meet David Ortiz
Carter's wish to be a Minnesota United FC player
Andrew's wish to meet Jayson Tatum
Tamera is a bold spirit with a love for WWE that matches her strength. Living with a kidney disease, she’s faced many challenges - but her passion for wrestling and her favorite Superstars has always lifted her up. So when it came time to choose her wish, Tamera knew exactly what she wanted: to attend WrestleMania.
Thanks to Fanatics and WWE, Tamera’s wish came true in spectacular fashion at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. She joined 24 other wish kids for a weekend packed with unforgettable moments. At WWE World, Tamera was treated to a VIP shopping experience at the WWE World Superstore and received a custom co-branded title belt to match her self-created Superstar persona: Tamera The Destroyer.
The spotlight was all hers as she made a custom walkout entrance, just like her WWE heroes, and was surprised by appearances from real WWE Superstars, Tiffany Stratton and Braun Strowman,who made her feel like one of their own. For Tamera, it was more than just a wish - it was a championship moment she’ll never forget.
I wish to go to Wrestlemania
Tamera, 11
kidney disease
Tamera's wish to go to Wrestlemania
Carmine is the middle of three brothers, and he shares a special bond with his entire family, including his younger sibling - both of whom live with the same neuromuscular disorder that has confined Carmine to a wheelchair. But his spirit? Unstoppable. When it came time to choose his wish, Carmine dreamed big: to attend the Super Bowl.
Thanks to Fanatics and the NFL, Carmine’s wish came true in New Orleans earlier this year as part of a group experience for 20 wish kids. The weekend was packed with unforgettable moments - from attending the NFL Honors ceremony to scoring tickets to the big game itself.
One of the highlights? A surprise private shopping experience at Lids, where Carmine was greeted by NFL stars Cam Skattebo, Tristan Wirfs, and Jahmyr Gibbs. The athletes didn’t just show up - they showed out, making Carmine feel like a true MVP. The joy on his face said it all.
For Carmine and his family, the Super Bowl wasn’t just a game. It was a celebration of resilience, brotherhood, and the power of a wish fulfilled.
I wish to go to the Super Bowl
Carmine, 16
neuromuscular disorder
Carmine's wish to go to the Super Bowl
Mallory’s journey has been one of strength and sisterhood. After undergoing a bone marrow transplant - with her sister as her donor - Mallory continues to receive treatment multiple times a week. But through it all, her love for Alabama football has remained a powerful source of joy and motivation.
When it came time to choose her wish, Mallory knew exactly what she wanted: an unforgettable University of Alabama football experience. Thanks to Fanatics, her wish became a reality. Mallory was treated to a VIP shopping experience at Fanatics’ in-venue retail location, where she picked out her favorite Alabama Crimson Tide gear to rep her team in style.
For Mallory, it wasn’t just about football. It was about celebrating resilience, family, and the power of a wish fulfilled.
I wish to have a University of Alabama football experience
Mallory, 14
bone marrow transplant
Mallory's wish to have a University of Alabama football experience
Cooper has always been a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan. Growing up with congenital heart disease, he’s faced more than his fair share of challenges - but his love for football and the Eagles has never wavered. So when it came time to choose his wish, Cooper knew exactly what he wanted: to attend an Eagles game and meet his favorite players.
Thanks to Fanatics and the Philadelphia Eagles, Cooper’s wish came true in unforgettable fashion. As part of a special group experience, Cooper and other wish kids were surprised with the ultimate VIP treatment. From locker room and sideline access and private shopping at the Mitchell & Ness flagship store, to high-fives and heartfelt moments with Eagles players, Cooper’s day was filled with joy, excitement, and inspiration.
The experience wasn’t just about football - it was about hope, strength, and the power of a wish come true. For Cooper, it was more than a game. It was a moment he’ll carry with him forever.
I wish to meet the Philadelphia Eagles and attend a game
Cooper, 14
congenital heart disease
Cooper's wish to meet the Philadelphia Eagles