Captain Isaac and his family sailed to USC’s Wrigley Marine Center on Catalina Island to begin his adventure. As the family disembarked, they were greeted by Captain Isaac’s motley pirate crew for the day. The crew was anxiously waiting for their new Captain because they needed to find the secret treasure of Catalina. Following some pirate antics, the Captain and crew found the long-lost treasure map and their journey to find the treasure began. Captain Isaac and his crew sailed the Catalina seas together in kayaks, meticulously following each clue on the map. After sailing and searching the island, Captain Isaac and his crew finally located the hidden treasure chest! They put on their best pirate faces, let out their special pirate yell and started digging. Captain Isaac was in awe as he opened the treasure chest to find precious jewels, gold coins and priceless riches.

To complete Captain Isaac’s extraordinary day, his crew gave him a special pirate shirt that has their famous pirate yell, “What arrrrgh you looking at?” The Captain cherishes the gift from his crew and wears it on his daily adventures at home. It cerrrrtainly was a day Captain Isaac will never forget!

Wish Granters: Michelle Cuellar & Janet Fraser

This past weekend, Trojan Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart opened up his home in Phoenix, Arizona, to his buddy, Ryan Davidson.

Leinart hosted Ryan and his father, Kirby Davidson, and friends, in a weekend filled with sports, entertainment, games, and barbeque.

Leinart gave Ryan a personal tour of the Arizona Cardinals’ practice facility on Saturday. Later that day, the Davidsons and friends headed to Leinart’s house to watch some college football (Leinart closely follows the Trojans), play various sporting and video games, and feast on some barbeque, as Leinart’s older brother, also named Ryan, demonstrated his outdoor grilling skills. On Sunday, the Davidsons watched the Cardinals – Giants game from the Matt Leinart Suite, with the Leinart Family and friends. One of those friends, Hollywood film director Peter Berg, invited Davidson to visit the set of his new movie. This is the third year in a row Leinart has hosted the Davidsons.

“It’s always a blast to hang out with Matt and his family,” beamed Ryan. “He’s a good friend and a great guy to hang out with.” Ryan also sported a new hairdo, with his hair dyed a lighter color at the ends.

“I continue to be amazed by the Leinarts’ generosity and love for Ryan. And, I know that Ryan’s not alone as the Matt Leinart Foundation does so much to help kids in similar situations,” Kirby observed. “The friendship that has formed between Matt and Ryan since they first met back at USC four years ago has been an inspiration of hope throughout Ryan’s continued cancer battle. Ryan definitely knows that Matt is always there for him.”

“It has been so amazing to see Ryan grow over the past five years,” Leinart commented on his friend’s visit. “His strength and courage inspire me every day. I’m blessed and thankful to be his friend.” As it is that time of year when many reflect on what to be thankful for, WeAreSC echoes Leinart’s sentiments.

Lake Arrowhead, CA — Eighteen year-old Amanda loves to read and learn about health and science. Though she is living with cystic fibrosis, Amanda has dreams of graduating college and becoming a nurse so she can help others like her who are living with life-threatening illnesses. When her wish granters asked about her most heartfelt wish, Amanda, who was admitted into Biola University’s pre-nursing program, wished for something that would help her achieve her goal of becoming a nurse; college tuition.

Amanda’s wish day came as a complete surprise. She thought that she was simply going out to lunch with her family, but when she arrived at her favorite pizza place it was adorned with Make-A-Wish banners, balloons, and festive decorations in honor of her special day. She was showered with gifts including Biola University t-shirts, bags, banners and school supplies along with a framed plaque congratulating her on entering the nursing program.

The rest of the afternoon was spent sharing laughs, smiles, and lots of pizza with everyone at her party. Amanda talked about how exited she was to be attending college and is very thankful that The Matt Leinart Foundation and Make-A-Wish is helping her realize her dream of becoming a nurse and helping others

Moreno Valley, CA — Andrew is a quiet and reserved 14 year-old… until he watches his favorite wrestlers on TV. He loves the energy of the wrestlers and the thrill of watching them fly through the air. Andrew is living with neurofibromatosis so he is not able to wrestle with his friends, but he loves to play wrestling games on his computer so he can become virtual wrestler and be a part of the action. For his wish, Andrew wanted to share in the excitement of a match and go to a wrestling event to meet his favorite wrestler; Jeff Hardy!

On his wish day, Andrew wore his favorite Jeff Hardy t-shirt and the biggest smile to the arena. His wish began with a backstage tour where he was set to meet Jeff Hardy. Andrew was a little nervous when Jeff came into the room, but instantly became comfortable once Jeff sat next to him and gave him his signature “gunz” gesture. The two talked about wrestling. Jeff’s winning strategy, and his famous moves. Then, before Jeff left for his match, Andrew snapped a few photos and wished Jeff good luck.

After the meet and greet, Andrew was given ringside seats where he couldn’t keep his eyes off of the action. When it was time for Jeff Hardy’s match, Andrew watched with even greater intensity and enjoyed every second of the bout. On the ride home, the normally quiet Andrew couldn’t stop smiling and talking about the incredible wish experience and was in total disbelief that he had met his wrestling idol!

Foothill Ranch, CA — Fifteen year-old Brandon has a passion for music. Though he is living with an autoimmune disease, Brandon has dreams of one day becoming a world-famous rock star. When asked about his most heartfelt wish, Brandon excitedly wished to have his very own drum set!

Brandon’s wish day began with a surprise visit to Bling Fest, a professional skateboard and live music event. Brandon received VIP passes and spent the entire day meeting the bands and talking to their drummers about their techniques. The bands made him feel like he was part of the show and gave him souvenirs to commemorate his special day. As each band began their set, Brandon watched in amazement from his special area backstage.

Then, when Brandon thought that things couldn’t possibly get any better, it was announced that his new custom drum set had been delivered and set up while he was at the concert. Brandon’s face lit up and he couldn’t wait to get home and try some of the new techniques the bands had shown him.

When he arrived home, Brandon was amazed at the craftsmanship and the detail on the custom drum set and felt blessed for having received such an incredible wish experience. Brandon practice every day in hopes of improving his skills and one day playing on stage with a band of his own!

Anaheim, CA — Sixteen year-old Esmeralda is a motivated student living with Renal Disease. Her favorite subjects in school are math and science. When the time came to meet with her wish granters, an excited Esmeralda knew exactly what her wish would be; to have a new computer to help her prepare for her high school experience! Esmeralda’s wish day came as a complete surprise. She was at the mall with her neighbor while the wish granters set up for the big reveal in her neighborhood courtyard. All her neighbors and family chipped in to help set up. When she returned she saw a group of people under the Make-A-Wish canopy decorated with balloons. She was shocked and excited!

When it was time for her wish to be revealed, she was taken into her bedroom where she was presented with her new computer. A volunteer was there to show her how to use her new computer as well as all the programs installed on it. Every time he showed her a new item she would run out to the courtyard to tell everyone about it. She enjoyed her favorite pizza and snacks and took pictures with her new digital camera.

Esmeralda was thrilled to have a computer that will get her started on her studies in the upcoming months when she heads off to high school.

Anaheim, CA — Thirteen year old Kimberly is upbeat, faithful and resolved to beat lupus. She has put her life in God’s hands and now she says she feels better. She is mostly recovered from intensive chemotherapy and steroid treatments at Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Her hair once waist-long, is growing back and the swelling in her face has subsided. She is a strong girl and is determined to fight this disease.

The Matt Leinart Foundation, Make a Wish, and Stephanie Cook of the HGTV show “Design Star” teamed up to make Kimberly’s dream come true. Kimberly wanted black and white furniture and with bright and happy colors. Everyone worked hard for 14 hours painting and moving furniture for Kimberly.

“I screamed and I cried when I saw my room,” said Kimberly whose favorite feature was the very bright walls that were hot pink and chartreuse. It is a perfectly symmetrical room for Kimberly and her brother Alberto, who shares the space. A karaoke machine, DVD player, flat screen TV and custom artwork were among the highlights.

I’m just going to stay awake all night staring at my new bedroom” she said. “This was my wish come true.”

Matt’s Magical Moments granted 15 Little Brothers from the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization a very special event. Matt and 23 of his family and friends teamed up with 15 Little Brothers to give them an Angel Experience. The day started at Angel Stadium on the field with Matt and some of the Angel Players. All the children got their autograph books, hats, and t-shirts signed. They then watched batting practice from the first row of the stadium. The children were then treated to a special meal and an Angel duffle bag full of Angel goodies. All the children enjoyed sitting with Matt and watching the Angels beat the Seattle Mariners. One Little Brother said it best when he asked if this was like Christmas he said “It’s like An Angels Christmas.”

Matt’s Magical Moments granted the first Magical Moment on Friday, April 18, 2008 by sponsoring a child’s wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Orange County and the Inland Empire. The wish child Daniel is 4 years old. His wish was to meet the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and bring his cousin Sammy, who is also 4. Daniel and Sammy are best friends. The boys are inseparable and love to dress the same. They share everything and have always played together except when Daniel was too sick, during that time, Sammy could only come to the house and play through the screen door.

Daniel’s wish began as a Magical Moment with Matt Leinart the moment he arrived at Angels Stadium. Matt gave Daniel one of his numbered Cardinal Jerseys and the Angles gave Daniel and Sammy personalized game Jerseys, balls, hats and all kinds of things to have autographed by the Angels team members. Daniel and Matt walked onto the field together to meet all of the Angels players including Garret Anderson, Tori Hunter and Howie Kendrick. Daniel got to watch batting practice with his cousin, his family and Matt before the stadium was even open. He threw out the 1st pitch of the game then both the boys enjoyed watching the Angels beat the Seattle Mariners. It was a Magical Moment for a very special young man.