Tired of all the talk about trials and unions and arrests as we await the start of a new season? If so, here’s something that could brighten your day. And give you goosebumps. And make the room kind of dusty. Eighteen-year-old Stephen Loszewski has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia for nearly four years, but thankfully he’s in remission. Still, the Make-A-Wish Foundation was able to make the life-long Michigan football fan’s dream of becoming a UM recruit come true. And both the school and the foundation did it in style.
Tuesday, Loszewski had meetings with head coach Brady Hoke and athletic director Dave Brandon and lunch with a couple of current players. He spent 10 minutes with UM legend Desmond Howard, who flew in just for the festivities and afterwards wrote on his Twitter account "[t]hank you @umichfootball + @espn for giving me the opportunity to be a part of Stephen Loszewski’s #MyWish.” Later on, UM officials gave the former high school football player -- he was forced to step away from the game after his diagnosis -- an official signing day atmosphere, replete with a table and four hats -- UM, Ohio State, Michigan State and Notre Dame. The cap ceremony ended in expected fashion. “I want to say, this decision could not have been less difficult,” Loszewski. “I’m going to go with the Big Blue.” The pièce de résistance, however, occurred between the ceremony and meetings.
Said Loszewski’s father Greg,”It’s amazing what people have done for my little old son.” Yes, yes it is. Bravo, UM, for making this young man’s dream come true. Truly a classy and selfless gesture. (Photo credit: Ann Arbor News)