Hello From Heeth’s Mom:

Many of you may have seen the COTA cover photo and may have wondered why Heeth is wearing a Milwaukee Bucks jersey and shorts?  Heeth has been a Giannis Antetokounmpo fan for years.  About 2 1/2 years ago, Heeth saved all his Christmas and birthday money, and bought himself a Giannis basketball outfit.  He was so proud of this outfit and wanted to show it off at clinic; but rethought this plan when he realized he was going into clinic for platelets.  We didn’t want anything to happen to this special outfit!  When Heeth was inpatient, he kept a poster of Giannis infront of his bed so he saw it every day when he woke up.  We talked about how hard Giannis had to work to get where he is and stay strong and this was motivating for Heeth.  

Well, this past weekend, many incredible people worked extra hard and Heeth’s Make A Wish was granted!  Heeth and our family flew (after lots of therapy for mom! lol) out to Milwaukee and Heeth was signed to be a Buck for the Day!  The Make a Wish group and the Bucks were out of this world with making Heeth and Keene feel like royality.  The hotel staff’s kindness (and Midwestern ways) made us feel right at home.  But the absolute best part of the weekend, was towards the end of the game when we got notice that Giannis had invited Heeth to see him after the game!  We waited a bit, but just before 11 PM, Heeth was invited into the locker room.  His face and response afterwards was all a mom could ask for, Heeth said: “Mom, that was the best night of my life.”

A year ago on February 3rd, Heeth made a brave decision to go back to the hospital after just over a week at home, filled with 24 hours of medication, shots, daily trips to Dana Farber, and lots of getting sick.  He was in critical condition and needed to ready himself for his final transplant.  

This February 3, 2023, Heeth had his Make A Wish.  I can’t thank all the amazing people enough that helped us make this HUGE step: the encouragement our family, doctors, therapists, friends gave us: our hearts are lighter from this experience.  

I will attach the press conference highlights (and after conversation) for anyone interested. 

GO BUCKS!

With HUGE HUGS!

Love,

Heeth’s Mom

The Pfister Hotel: Best Place Ever:)

Hanging At Practice!

Game Night!

Love This City!

Press Conference Link:

https://www.jsonline.com/videos/sports/2023/02/05/giannis-teaches-2-new-friends-art-press-conference/11191506002/