Seahawks make life-long wishes come true for ailing 12s

There’s always plenty of cheering at Seahawks headquarters in Renton. But on a sun-drenched Tuesday, it’s not for the players. It’s for two young 12s getting their lifelong wishes fulfilled – thanks to the Seahawks and Make-A Wish.

The team rolled out the red carpet this week, starting with a limo ride to VMAC where Blitz the mascot met Steven and Jesse – two kids battling life-threatening illnesses.

They got to see the Super Bowl Lombardi trophy and other memorabilia before heading out to the field to watch the Seahawks practice.

It’s overwhelming to see the kids’ faces light up as Russell Wilson makes a beeline for them and their families.

For Jesse Bailey, of Spanaway, it was an emotional reunion of sorts.

Bailey, 13, first met Wilson during one of his regular visits to Children’s Hospital last year, as Bailey was recovering from brain tumor surgery.

“You really inspired him, so thank you for taking the time,” Jesse’s mom, Monica Alexander, told a beaming Wilson.

She credits the quarterback with helping inspire her son through the grueling surgery and treatments.

So cool! Steven & Jesse join the Squad today! @MakeAWish #GoHawks pic.twitter.com/J4PRMlXo9c

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) August 23, 2016

“Well he inspires all of us. We’re grateful to have you here and for you to be a part of our team today,” Wilson told them.

But it’s not just Wilson. Everyone from general manager John Schneider to the players and coaches go out of their way to meet the families, welcome and engage with them.

For Steven Snider, of Yakima, and his family, it was truly a lifelong dream come true.

And as Snider’s mom, Stephanie, watched her 18-year-old son light up as players embraced him and engaged with him as he sat in his wheelchair. It was tough not to break out in tears of joy.

“I can’t even explain it in words without getting emotional,” she said. “This is his biggest dream, his biggest wish.  And for it to become a reality is probably the neatest thing you could see as a parent.”

The players and coaches seem to get just as much out of the visits.

“They bring us great love and joy … so we’re thrilled to be able to connect and share some time,” said head coach Pete Carroll.

Steven’s father, Kurt, says he was overwhelmed by the Seahawks’ generosity, from the reception at VMAC to the invitation to attend Thursday’s preseason game at CenturyLink Field and hang out on the sidelines before the game.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “There’s more to them than what you see on TV.  All these guys have such big hearts.”

The Seahawks have been enthusiastic supporters of Make-A-Wish for years, according to Donna Verretto, chief operating officer for Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington.

“They make sure it’s a VIP experience,” Verretto said. “It’s pretty incredible for the children.”

That experience is about far more than just a dying wish.  Verretto says the mission is to inspire sick kids and their families to keep fighting.

“We’re about bringing hope, strength and joy to the children,” she said.

That can be something as simple as granting a child their first airplane flight, a chance to record their original music, a day with Bill Gates, or even just getting them a trampoline for their backyard.

Whatever the request, Make-A-Wish does everything in its power to make it happen.

“That’s the thing about the wish that makes it so powerful,” Verretto said. “It’s about what’s in your heart.  It’s not about what somebody else tells you is important.”

It’s not always easy, though.  There are currently about 400 kids waiting for wishes because of a lack of funding, Verretto said.

“Every year, one in four seriously ill kids in Washington and Alaska don’t get their wishes because we simply don’t have the money,” Verretto said.

Another big need is airline frequent flier miles.  Every 40,000 miles donated is enough for a ticket.  And many people don’t realize they can gift miles to the organization, Verretto said.

But for Steven and Jesse, this week’s VMAC visit couldn’t have been any better.

“To just watch his dreams come true in front of us, it doesn’t get any better,” Steven’s mom, Stephanie, said.

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