For the Crown: Andy’s Inspiring Inspiring Wish

Andy made history as the first kid to wish to go to a Charlotte FC match. In the process, he reminded everyone that hope is right in front of us. 

A Winning Wish 

13-year-old Andy loves Post Malone, his big brother Bryan, and most of all, watching soccer. Andy is battling leukemia, and he had the chance to wish for something unforgettable: Andy wished to go a Charlotte FC match.  

As his wish approached, Andy was filled with adrenaline as he thought about the excitement he’d soon experience: his favorite players showing off their skills and speed on the pitch, speakers blasting his favorite Bad Bunny songs, and the Charlotte skyline lighting up like a crown around the stadium’s electric crowds.  

Kicking Off the Big Weekend 

But there was far more to come than Andy anticipated. The day before the big game, Andy and his family rolled up to the stadium in a limousine to watch the team practice.  They were immediately greeted by a familiar face who knew exactly who Andy was.  “Hello there, Andy! So excited to see you this morning.”   

It was Ashley Westwood, captain of Charlotte FC. Andy and his brother Bryan were elated.  

It was a memorable moment to kick off a weekend of celebration. 

From watching practice, to meeting all the players, to walking onto the field, Andy’s face was constantly lit up in awe. Andy was a fan of Charlotte FC before his wish, but watching practice converted him into perhaps the team’s biggest supporter. He was ready for the big match against Inter Miami.  

The Strongest Player on the Pitch 

On Saturday, all eyes were on Andy, honorably dressed in his custom Charlotte FC kit. While for Andy, the day was about soccer, for everyone else, it was all about Andy. His wish came almost exactly a year after his first leukemia treatment. The year leading up to his magical, energetic wish was full of hurdles, pain, and hard days. Andy and his family have summoned incredible resolve as they travel the long road towards health and peace.  

“We never expected that through that, we would get to experience something like this, too,” reflected Andy’s mom amidst the chaotic goodness of Andy’s wish.  As Andy continues to battle his leukemia and traverse challenges, his wish was a moment to reflect on how far he has come.  

Andy was able to fully focus on the joy and wonder of a live soccer game. Whether leaving his wheelchair to hug a player or kicking a ball back and forth with his brother and Ashley Westwood, Andy showed everyone the depth of his strength. 

Andy’s wish was a powerful reminder for all of us in the Queen City and beyond — a reminder that hope is inside each of us, and that it starts with something as simple as a wish.