Make-A-Wish® Illinois Chapter

AJ Pierzynski/Chicago White Sox

From left to right: Wish child Trystan, AJ Pierzynski and Trystan's brother Hunter.

Well before the Chicago White Sox brought home World Series trophy in 2005, they were making dreams come true for courageous children with life-threatening medical conditions. Whether it was meeting a favorite player at the old Comiskey Park or newer US Cellular Field, or attending spring training in Arizona, the White Sox players have always provided a warm welcome for wish children.

Star catcher AJ Pierzienski has a special connection to the Foundation, having met several wish children and participated in fundraisers for Make-A-Wish. He and his wife have two small children, so he connects with the wish children in a very genuine way that creates a great experience for the kids.

"Every day I am living out my childhood dream, so I feel extremely fortunate to be in a position where I can play a part in fulfilling the wishes of others," Pierzynski said. "I am honored to support the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and help to lift the spirits of such incredibly courageous children."

Since the early 1990s, the Chicago White Sox have helped to grant more than 20 wishes and each year children request to  meet their favorite players. Through the years wish children have had the opportunity to meet Bo Jackson, Frank Thomas, Jim Thome, Paul Konercko, Gordon Beckham, Jermaine Dye and Ozzie Guillen in addition to Pierzynski.

Wish child Trystan from LaSalle County loves baseball, especially "his" White Sox. When his wish was granted last year, it brought him pure joy as dealt he with the effects of his illness.

"He is a huge White Sox fan and it was a dream of Trystan's to be able to do this," his parents wrote to Make-A-Wish. "His favorite part was being able to meet all of the players and sit in the dugout with Ozzie."

Many, many children have the same great feeling about the team and each time they watch the White Sox on television, those great feelings from their wish rush back. With help from AJ Pierzynski and the Chicago White Sox, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois is primed to continue the joy for courageous children for many years to come.