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Wolverines grant young cancer fighter his wish

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.

A few weeks back, Jake Long knocked on Loszewski’s door. The current St. Louis Rams offensive tackle and former Michigan Wolverine arrived armed with letters from U-M coaches to begin the recruiting process. The two sat in the family living room talking about football and life and everything in between.
Desmond

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.

Around 4 p.m., an echo reverberated out to the field of Michigan Stadium. Hooting and hollering rang from the tunnel. Up in the shadows, where the Wolverines’ locker room leads to the field, Stephen Loszewski jumped and bounced and bonded with the entire University of Michigan football team. Wearing a blue jersey -- No. 57, LOSZEWSKI -- U-M’s top recruit led the team onto field. ... Stephen Loszewski addressed his new teammates at the 50-yard line. “I want to do battle with you gentlemen,” he said.

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)