After having his wish revealed at Shippensburg University’s Heiges Field House during a women’s basketball game last year, James “Jay” Dawson returned to SU on Saturday at an SU women’s lacrosse game.
Dawson, 6, was invited back by SU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) to the lacrosse game to take part in game day festivities. SU lacrosse head coach Nicole Miller presented Dawson with a stick, which was checked by a referee during the pregame stick checks. Dawson spent time alongside SAAC members during the game.
“Make-A-Wish is such a great foundation,” Miller said. “It’s a foundation that I’ve always been close with and just being able to see Jay out here laughing and having a good time and be with my players just brightens their day.”
During halftime, Jay’s mother, Tiffany Dawson, spoke about the family’s trip to the Disney theme parks in Orlando, Florida. The trip was the result of Jay’s wish that was granted by Make-a-Wish.
“It was a great experience,” Dawson said. “We were able to put everything behind us, leave everything home in Pennsylvania, and head to the Sunshine State. From the limousine ride that picked us up at our home on the day we left, to the day the limousine dropped us off, there was not one moment that wasn’t magical.”
The Dawson family returned to SU a year after returning from their Disney World vacation. The trip lasted a week and presented the family with many memories they will never forget, Dawson said.
“We stayed at a resort that was just for children who have disabilities or special needs called Give Kids the World and it’s like a big magical playground,” Dawson said. “It is just something you have to see in person to see how magical it is. They pretty much do everything needed to make your stay as special as it can be.”
Jay said his favorite part of the trip was the Candyland playground at the resort the Dawsons stayed at.
“At our resort, there was a Candyland program that was just like the board game, and it was set up right outside our villa,” Tiffany Dawson said. “He spent a lot of time there and we have a bunch of pictures and a lot of memories.”
The family expressed appreciation toward SU’s SAAC for allowing the family to return for Saturday’s game.
“It was so great to come back and see everyone who took part in our reveal just over one year ago today,” Dawson said. “We are just so thankful to Shippensburg University for everything they have done to help make this magical trip possible.”
Jay’s wish was revealed during a women’s basketball game Feb. 24 , 2016, at Heiges Field House. At halftime, Dawson, dawning a super hero’s cape, mowed down villains with a NERF gun, before SAAC members brought forth a suitcase and other gifts before he realized his wish was being granted by Make-A-Wish.
“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 at Jay’s wish reveal.
Early in his life, Dawson battled a brain tumor before the age of 2, but Dawson persevered, continuing his life with an eager smile. Dawson will start playing tee-ball this year.
For more information on Dawson’s wish reveal, check out the story at http://www.theslateonline.com/article/2016/02/childs-wish-revealed-at-womens-basketball-game.
Assistant sports editor Blair Garrett contributed to this report.
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