When the Brisbane Lions played Richmond at the MCG in Round 15, they might have lost the match, but they won the heart of one special fan.
That fan is 11-year-old Tyla, a passionate Lions supporter who has Burkitts Lymphoma - a cancer of the lymphatic system.
So, it was no surprise that when Make-A-Wish, in support with Hyundai Help For Kids, gave Tyla a wish, it was to meet the Brisbane Lions at the mighty MCG on his first ever visit there.
The heart-warming handwritten letter below from Tyla sums up the experience fittingly.
“YES!! It’s finally happening, the thing I have waited three long years for is finally happening.
As the limousine turns the corner onto the street we’re on, I was bursting with joy and excitement.
As Jeff (the limousine driver) opened the doors I raced inside with absolute excitement and curiosity. It was an exhilarating experience.
The lights were continuously changing colours and there was music playing but there was chaotic traffic outside on the way to the MCG.
Finally, we arrived and headed inside then went down the stairs.
A staff member handed me a Lions uniform to get changed into (because I was going to be the first junior mascot at the MCG ever since covid hit).”
Being a junior mascot was just the start of what was a one-on-a-lifetime opportunity for Tyla.
At the Captain’s Run on the MCG, Tyla was brought into the team’s huddle by coach Chris Fagan, where he was asked to make the tough announcement of naming his favourite player.
That moment made one Lion extra happy as he ran straight over to the newest and youngest member of the team.
“I loved it when Daniel Rich shook my hand,” Tyla said, before adding the reason why was Rich is his favourite, “He kicks very far and is very nice.”
From them on Tyla and his family were decked out with Brisbane Liona scarves, hats, and a football.
He then became the star of the show again after the session as players and coaches treated Tyla to photos and signatures galore.
From first hearing Tyla’s wish to then seeing it fulfilled is something David Reis from Make-A-Wish said he never gets tired of seeing.
“It was an incredible opportunity to see Tyla mingling with his heroes, enjoying quality time with his family and making life-long memories - that’s what it’s all about,” Reis said.
“It’s such a privilege to deliver happiness and hope to families like Tyla’s thanks to our incredible supporters and partners, and we hope Tyla remembers his wish for the rest of his life.
“Like all our wishes, experiences like this create a real sense of hope and joy for him and his family. When a wish is realised, a child discovers that despite their situation, anything is possible, and the impact of a wish lasts a lifetime.”
The Brisbane Lions worked with Make-A-Wish and partner Hyundai Help For Kids to ensure Tyla’s wish was granted.
