Asheville, North Carolina, 12-year-old Jase Garland recently fulfilled his dream of becoming a quarterback for the Carolina Panthers thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Early last year, he was diagnosed with a rare type of blood cancer and underwent a bone marrow transplant. When Make-A-Wish asked what he wanted most, Jase said he wanted to be a quarterback for his favorite NFL team.
The Panthers welcomed Jase as one of their own, starting with a signed contract and locker room fist bumps. He visited the team gym, lifted weights, and met starting quarterback Bryce Young. On the field, Jase took a handoff, made a quick move, and scored a touchdown, after which the entire team ran to celebrate with him.
Jase’s mother, Erin Garland, shares that the experience was especially meaningful after a long and difficult recovery process. She says her son has had to stay isolated for much of the year and describes his resilience as impressive. More than a year post-transplant, she notes that he “is looking good right now, so far.”
Source: GOOD MORNING AMERICA