A packed Heiges Field House was the site of Wednesday’s big rivalry game between Shippensburg University and Bloomsburg University. It also played host to something much greater.

At halftime of the SU women’s basketball game, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), along with Make-A-Wish, revealed the wish of James “Jay” Dawson. Dawson is a 5-year-old boy who has been battling a brain tumor since before the age of 2. SU’s SAAC surprised Dawson with a superhero-themed adventure throughout the first-half of the game.

“He’s been through so much, and we as a family have been through so much in the past four years, and this tonight kind of puts it all together and it just shows we are not in this alone,” said Tiffany Dawson, Jay’s mother.

“Three hundred and nineteen local and heroic kids just like Jay were invited to close their eyes, make a wish and blow out a candle. And unlike any other time in their life, this time, that wish came true,” said Ben Lee, Make-A-Wish regional director of the Susquehanna Valley.

In the opening minutes of the women’s basketball game, Dawson won raffle prizes that would be used in the wish reveal at halftime. During a first-half timeout, Dawson won a toy NERF gun for his first raffle prize. Dawson’s excitement grew upon receiving each raffle prize.

Once the first-half concluded it was finally time for the big event. Dawson was escorted to the court by his parents and SAAC member Tim Usher. Dawson ran through a tunnel formed by the SU cheerleaders and was led to a chair at midcourt, where he became the center of attention.

Upon Dawson’s arrival to center court, SAAC members dressed up as villains began to rush forward. Dawson picked up his NERF gun and began to fight off the students, looking to win his last and greatest prize. Dawson knocked down each of his opponents—kicking SU mascot Big Red to seal the deal.

After defeating his enemies, Dawson returned to his seat. Members of SAAC, dressed in capes, started carrying gifts to Dawson to slowly illustrate to him that he would be getting his wish.

The SAAC members brought Dawson Disney-themed gifts, including stuffed animals, a blanket and other toys. Finally, Dawson was given a Disney bag and suitcase. When Dawson opened the bag, he was told he would be heading to the Disney theme parks in Florida next month with his family.

Dawson was in complete shock, and celebrated triumphantly, flexing for the crowd as they cheered him on. Dawson basked in his excitement as the crowd continued to pour out support. SAAC members started chanting “JAY” as he flexed his muscles and his smile.

Before arriving to Heiges, Dawson knew that he would be attending the game and that he would receive a surprise. He had no idea how big of a surprise it would be.

“Everyone involved from Make-A-Wish, from Shippensburg University and from the athletic department worked so hard to make this night memorable for Jay,” Tiffany Dawson said. “It was just overwhelmingly amazing. I know Jay will be talking about this night, definitely tomorrow in school and for days to come.”

“It’s the student athletes, the fans, the university — that’s why we were able to reveal this wish tonight. It was phenomenal,” Lee said.

Lee stated that Wednesday night’s wish reveal was the best he has ever seen on a college campus. The reveal featured SAAC members dressed in capes, a cake with a picture of Jay, handmade posters and a dessert bar.

SU’s SAAC raised more than $5,000 last year, which allowed them to host and reveal the wish, granted by Make-A-Wish.

“Every year we try to raise money for Make-A-Wish and the fact that they came to us and let us host a wish reveal on campus felt like something that we had been working towards for a long time,” SAAC President Stefan Szilagyi said.

“To see this packed house tonight just shows us all of the love and support we have at Shippensburg University and we are very grateful,” Tiffany Dawson said.

“If Jay did not feel like a hero when he came in, he sure left feeling like one,” Lee said.

Although Dawson is excited to meet his favorite superheroes at Disney, it appears that he may be the toughest one of them all.

Check out the full video with additional interviews below.

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