Brian Urlacher/Chicago Bears
 Wish Child Nicholas Gregory met Brian Urlacher. Nicholas was invited to watch practice at Halas Hall and then attended a game at Soldier field a few days later. At the time of his wish, Nicholas had recently had a kidney transplant. |
Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher may be a tough guy when he hits the field, but he's all heart when he meets children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois. As the Chicago Bear Make-A-Wish children most request to meet, Urlacher has been introduced several children battling life-threatening medical conditions through the organization. Posing for pictures and talking football, Urlacher takes his time with each child, providing a great experience that the children talk about long after the wish has been completed. Often times to enhance the wish experience, the Chicago Bears organization donates game tickets, parking and pre-game sideline passes so that the Make-A-Wish Foundation can arrange for the wish child and his or her family to attend a Bears game at Chicago's historic Solider Field, where they can watch their favorite player in action. Every time after that, when a wish child tunes into a Bears game, the memories of that special experience rush back.
The Chicago Bears organization helps to facilitate these wishes, arranging for children to meet Urlacher and other players during practice sessions at their facility in Lake Forest or during summer training camp in Bourbonnais.
Above: Wish child Briggs meets his namesake Lance Briggs.
Below: Wish child Nick R. meets Brian Urlacher at Bears Training Camp 
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Brian Urlacher is not alone in warmly welcoming wish children when they visit. Wishes to meet Devin Hester, Danieal Manning or Lance Briggs have also been requested through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. When they know a wish child is visiting, other players and coaches are quick to offer a warm welcome. No matter whom they meet, wish children are able to experience a day where they feel included, honored and a part of Chicago's beloved football team."Our players enjoy meeting and spending time with the children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois who visit Halas Hall," said Caroline Schrenker, Bears director of community relations. "They are honored and humbled that the children choose to meet them as part of their wish. These children have endured so much in their young lives, and they are the true heroes."
In addition to wish granting support, the Chicago Bears, the McCaskey family and several of its players provide items for silent and live auctions that benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation and its efforts to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
More than 1,400 volunteers and 41 staff members work to grant the wishes of Illinois children
