It seems like almost every day we’re treated to some bad or depressing uniform/jersey/helmet news (whether it be more jersey ads, another icy white alternate helmet, or the possible or actual sale of College Football stadium naming rights). So when an actual feel-good uni/jersey/helmet story comes around, it’s refreshing.
And that’s exactly the case with a teenager from Flagstaff, AZ, who is battling a brain tumor. He is using his “Make a Wish” to help his football teammates stay safe on the field.
Meet Stephen “Budda” Dick.
In June of 2023, Dick suffered a seizure during football practice. Sadly, that seizure led to the diagnosis of a brain tumor. The Make-A-Wish Foundation heard of Dick’s condition, and reached out to him to see if he had a request of them (Make-A-Wish helps fulfill the wishes of seriously ill children). Rather than a “typical” wish (if there even is such a thing) such as going to Disney World, Budda decided he wanted to help his football teammates. His “Wish,” which was recently fulfilled, was to provide his teammates with 55 new state-of-the-art Riddell SpeedFlex helmets.
The whole story is captured nicely in this video. (You may need to go to YouTube to view it — but have some tissues handy.)
No matter what you may think about Make-A-Wish, even the most cynical among us have to feel good about Budda and his desire to help his team.
In a world where most of the uniform news of late hasn’t been of the good variety, this story certainly helps to change that a bit.
Hopefully there will be at least one “good uni story” every week like this one. We need them.
Your thoughts?
This is such a wonderful story. It is perfectly normal for seriously ill child to want some experience for themself. It is truly selfless for this kid to ask for something for his friends and teammates, specifically something that will make them all safer. Budda is a great person.
You said to get the tissues ready for that video. I didn’t. I should have.
Man, that story is just special. What a great team and an even better kid. Well done, Budda.
The Helpers
That’s a kid who gets “team.”
So great to hear a wonderful uni-related story!!!!!! This kid has the biggest heart!
Screw a tissue, I needed a paper towel. Amazing.
Beautiful. And I am teary eyed while typing this. Great kid. Great story.
Just the kind of story we need to see more of. I wish Budda well!