Crystal's Kobe Wish

16 year-old Crystal is a talented Orem teen who enjoys drawing, writing, movies, singing, and sports—especially basketball. Though she struggles with Hodgkin’s disease, Crystal remains warm and vivacious, loved by her peers and family. When invited to make a wish, Crystal chose to meet her all-time hero, Laker’s player Kobe Bryant.

Crystal’s wish began with her family’s journey to the Laker’s home turf of southern California. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles took great care of them, arranging for their stay at a premier hotel in Santa Monica, passes to the Universal Studios theme park, and a car for the family to take to the beach and on shopping excursions. When game day arrived, a limo picked up Crystal’s family and whisked them off to the Staples Center where they were invited to watch the Lakers warm up for their game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

When Kobe greeted Crystal, she knew that she was meeting a true hero. She says, "Kobe was awesome, he even let me steal a kiss, and he signed everything we brought, which was a lot!" To examine his newly shaved head, Crystal snatched off Kobe’s hat—and he said she could keep it. Crystal’s family recalls being amazed at how long Kobe spent with them and how approachable he was. After the warm-up was over, Crystal’s family found their seats on the front row, and enjoyed the opportunity to see Kobe in action. Having just set a new record for most points scored in a half two days before, he was in prime playing form. The Lakers soundly beat the Grizzlies that night, and Crystal even saw a special tribute to her wish on the overhead jumbo-tron.

The star treatment continued after the game, with a limo-ride back to the hotel. Returning to Utah, Crystal brought more than great memories of her time with Kobe Bryant. She also brought autographed souvenirs for all her friends, and a special jersey, hat, and photos to keep as a lasting reminder of her fun wish-come-true.