February 2025
by Wendy Hendrickson
My journey began when I received the phone call from Emily at Team Gleason that I had been selected to go the Super Bowl to watch the Philadelphia Eagles play!!
I had not only been a fan of the Eagles my entire life, I had also had the amazing opportunity to work for them in the late 80’s to early 90’s.
During that time, I was able to attend the Superbowl in New Orleans in 1990. Although the Eagles were not in attendance, it was a tremendous gift to be able to attend.
Fast forward 35 years, married with children, being able to share with them a portion of my youth.
The arrangements were made swiftly, and every question was asked to accommodate any needs I may have. As I had done travel arrangements for the Eagles, I knew the craziness involved with coordinating travel, especially in a short time frame, I was very impressed.
We arrived in New Orleans with absolutely no issues. Our first night we were taken to the stadium to not only walk through where we would be sitting and access into the stadium, we were also taken to the statue of Steve Gleason. Saying it was an honor is an understatement.
We were informed at that time that we were given yet another generous gift…
Pregame sideline passes courtesy of Andrew Jo.
Wait?? What?? We were going to be on the field…at the Superbowl???
The excitement was overpowering.
Gameday comes and it was so easy to follow the instructions given to us the night before. We find our seats easily and off to the sidelines we go.
The section was right next to the entrance where Eagles players were coming out for warmups, sports casters, NFL Alumni, the list goes on and on.
We were having, what I thought at the time, the time of our lives!
Then, with a half hour remaining on the time allotted to be on the field, I turn my head and see Steve Gleason himself!
I had absolutely no idea that I would be able to meet him in person, to thank him not only for this incredible trip, to also thank him for starting such a truly life changing organization dedicated to improving the lives of ALS patients, Team Gleason.
He came over to us and we were introduced to Steve by his longtime caregivers.
We posed for pictures and then I had a chance to have a quick one on one.
I thanked him for gifting me the gift of a memory for and with my family that will last lifetimes. Our eyes met and we both teared up. He got it. Understood exactly what I meant as I looked over at my family.
I asked if I could give him a hug and I was then introduced to the fo-to-fo. It’s forehead to forehead and look into each other’s eyes. It was life changing.
My husband Chaz and youngest daughter, Taylor both did it as well to say thank you. Needless to say, hearts were full and there was not a dry eye in the area!!
We then went up to our section and sat with 2 other families, who were all Eagles fans and watched one of the best Superbowl’s ever played.
I thought the trip to the Superbowl to watch the Eagles play and share with my family a part of my younger life was going to be the memorable part of the trip. Boy was I wrong!
Meeting and sharing this experience with 2 other ALS families and meeting Steve was truly the gift of a lifetime!!
So, to all my fellow PALS, keep up the fight! Gifts come to us unexpectedly so enjoy each moment.
NO WHITE FLAGS!!!!!
