Tyler Meets the UK Wildcats
It was a happy day for six-year-old Tyler Blackburn as he celebrated the New Year by meeting and shooting “hoops” with some of his favorite players from the University of Kentucky basketball team. Tyler’s experience marked the 100th wish granted by Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, Kentucky Region.
Tyler, who was diagnosed with congenital heart disease at birth, is a passionate Wildcat fan. When asked what his wish might be, Tyler said “I want to shoot hoops with them, get some autographs and talk to them- I love them!” Since Tyler was three years old, he has been a fan of the Wildcats, so to attend a game and meet them personally is his one true wish.
Tyler, a Pike County native, celebrated the Make-A-Wish® milestone by traveling to Lexington to meet and cheer on the University of Kentucky Wildcats as they played Notre Dame on January 18, 2003 at Rupp Arena Coliseum. A special celebration was arranged at a timeout to mark this exciting event.
Tickets to the game and a gift package for Tyler and his family were donated by the University of Kentucky Athletic Office and this wish was “adopted” by the Chi Omega chapter of the University of Kentucky.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Kentucky opened its doors in August of 2001 and is proud to be celebrating this very special milestone. “We are proud to be a part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and are appreciative of the people who have given us support” said Heather Suell Stewart, executive director of the Foundation. “We would never be able to fulfill the wishes of children in Kentucky without the help of companies and organizations across the state."
