Seventeen-year-old Gabe is used to grappling on the mat as a wrestler for White Bear Lake HS, but he is now in a match for his life. He was suffering from headaches in March but it wasn’t holding him back. Then, in early April, he stood on the 2nd place podium on Saturday and the next day, he was in the emergency room being wheeled into the operating room. A frenzy of testing began, and the news could not be worse. An aggressive brain tumor with a prognosis of only months to live. His loving family, along with his friends and entire community, have rallied to support this amazing teen, and we are grateful to be a part of his journey. We not only granted a wish for Gabe, we also set aside our Scholarship of Hope funds for him to show him that we believe he will survive to use them in college!
During his wish interview, Gabe let us know that all he wanted for his wish was to relax on the beach and visit the ocean for the first time in his life. He wanted to enjoy this special vacation with his family and his girlfriend. Thanks to our amazing supporters, Mike & Heidi Hrudka from the Tipsy Steer, Gabe & his family had a fabulous place to stay right off the beach in Destin, FL! The wish began with a limo ride to the airport, where our VIPs were invited into the Delta Sky Lounge PLUS Gabe was treated to a Porsche ride on the tarmac to the plane! People on the plane actually thought he was a celebrity – which of course, we agree with! The seven days of magic continued with a golf cart delivered to the condo to zip them around the complex, courtesy of Ecco Motors. They relaxed on the beach and at the pool, hung out at the arcade and go-carted, saw live alligators, and enjoyed several tasty meals. Our thanks to the Louisiana Lagniappe for treating Gabe and family to a beautiful, complimentary dinner! Afterwards, Dad shared that the vacation was amazing and he also shared the good news that Gabe has been accepted into an experimental program that is giving them great hope that Gabe will be able to have a takedown against cancer. We are grateful to all of our supporters who allow us to bring joy to kids like Gabe. Please join us in rooting for this hometown kid as he fights this terrible disease. We’re all cheering you on, Gabe!!
