Francis Landis, 7, of Queentown, recently got his wish to meet football legend Tom Brady.
The encounter is made possible through a new partnership between Make-A-Wish and Fanatics, the world’s leading digital sports platform.
Through this partnership, Fanatics becomes Make-A-Wish’s “Official Sports Partner,” helping grant sports-related wishes. Make-A-Wish grants life-changing wishes for children with serious illnesses.
Landis was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or a heart without a left ventricle. He underwent three major open-heart surgeries – the first when he was 11 days old.
On his big day, Landis and his family traveled to New York City to meet the sports icon. Brady chatted with Landis and signed a jersey for him. He even took the time to toss the football back and forth to Landis.
But there’s more.
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Boston Celtics standout Jayson Tatum were also on hand to meet Landis and other Make-A-Wish children.
Good Morning America documented the meeting, and both Brady and Landis were interviewed by Will Reeve.
“Francis wanted a hug and a high-five, and that was the first thing we did when he walked in the door,” Brady said.
When asked how his day was, Landis told Reeve it was “good” because he got to meet Brady.
“I signed my football and two jerseys,” Landis said.
He said: “Fanatics has supported the Make-A-Wish program and its incredible efforts for many years, and this partnership continues to demonstrate the power of sports and how kids learn by connecting with their favorite teams and sports heroes. The possibility of curing disease,” said Orlando Ashford, chief people officer at Fanatics.
In addition to supporting Wish Grant, Fanatics will donate $10 million and provide additional resources to Make-A-Wish, including merchandise and production costs for external storytelling, to build a comprehensive partnership in the coming years. These efforts will close the gap in the number of sporting aspirations waiting to be fulfilled, allowing more children to achieve their aspirations sooner.
“Critical illness can upend childhood, causing months or even years of fear and traumatic stress in the lives of children and their families,” Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America express. “Our partnership with Fanatics will help us create transformative experiences that will leave a lasting, positive impact long after a wish is granted, often marking a turning point in a child’s treatment and recovery.”
Francis Landis, 7, of Queentown, met football legend Tom Brady at a Make-A-Wish event in New York City recently and gave him a high five.Contribute photos
Francis Landis, 7, of Queentown, swings a bat during a Make-A-Wish event with sports legends in New York City.Contribute photos
Francis Landis, 7, of Queentown, recently spoke with football legend Tom Brady at a Make-A-Wish conference in New York City.Contribute photos