I wish to meet... John Stockton
JaNell

JaNell is a sports enthusiast. She enjoys football (her favorite teambeing the Dallas Cowboys), but the Utah Jazz occupy the place closest to her heart. For years, JaNell has been a dedicated fan, following their games on TV with her dad. And for years, JaNell has dreamed of meeting her hero, John Stockton.

JaNell has Sterge-Weber syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by a facial birthmark. In February she had brain surgery (her fourteenth) to help diminish the seizures she has had since birth. When the risks and complications associated with her illness made JaNell eligible for a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, no one was at all surprised when JaNell announced, with conviction, that her one heartfelt wish was to meet John Stockton.

One cold January day, JaNell's wish finally came true. She and her family traveled to Salt Lake for a day that would be full of magic and memories. A stay at the Hilton and a ride in a limo set the scene for an evening to remember. At the Delta Center, JaNell received celebrity treatment, watching from her privileged position on the Jazz bench as the team warmed up. After the game, JaNell had the unexpected bonus of meeting all the Jazz players. Other highlights were the mementoes she received: two basketballs: one signed by John Stockton, the other signed by the whole team; Karl Malone's sweatbands; and the photographs that captured the wonderful occasion. As for the evening itself, JaNell's Wish Granter told us, "She has a very loving personality and an infectious smile. I don't think that smile left her face all night long." But best of all, JaNell got to spend time with her superhero. "He hugged me," she exclaimed afterwards, glowing with childlike pride and the joy that comes from knowing that wishes really can come true.

As JaNell struggles valiantly with the hardships of her illness, John Stockton and the Utah Jazz continue to provide pleasure and inspiration. So much so that her first words after her most recent brain surgery were, "When can I go home, and when are the Jazz playing?" Words of joy and hope that show the comfort that wishes and kindness can bring.