Eli Griffith, a 16-year-old from Ann Arbor, Michigan, had his wish granted when he met Tom Brady through Make-A-Wish. Eli, a heart transplant recipient, is a huge fan of the former University of Michigan star and NFL legend.
A Dream Come True
Eli was born with a rare genetic mutation that affected his heart, and he underwent a heart transplant in 2024. During his hospital stay, he received visits from several Michigan football players, including Davis Warren, who signed autographs and played a game of HORSE with Eli.
When Eli met Tom Brady at Fanatics Fest in New York City, he was nervous but excited. He had prepared seven questions to ask Brady, including one about his favorite ice cream flavor, avocado ice cream. Brady answered Eli’s questions and even opened packs of trading cards with him.
Eli’s family is grateful for the experience, which was made possible by Make-A-Wish and Fanatics. Tom Caillouette, senior manager of corporate alliance at Make-A-Wish, said that the impact of these experiences on families going through challenging times is hard to put into words.
Eli, who is set to enter his junior year at Community High School in Ann Arbor, has done over 20 interviews at school, but this was his first with a famous person. He said that meeting Brady was a dream come true and that he is forever grateful for the experience.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
