Make A Wish Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade makes a wish come true for a young athlete who lost both hands and feet.



Wade gives jersey off back to 8-year-old disabled boy



MIAMI (AP) -- When Dwyane Wade visited the home of 8-year-old Michael Stolzenberg, he noticed all sorts of Miami Heat souvenirs around the boy's bedroom. Magazine covers, championship memorabilia, that sort of thing, but no jerseys.

Problem solved.

After the Heat defeated the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, Wade removed his jersey and gave it to the boy -- who nearly died from a bacterial infection last summer, an ailment so devastating that doctors needed to remove both of Michael's hands and feet just so he would survive.

"He lights you up, the smiles on his face. He seems so happy," Wade said. "Everything that's happened to him is unfortunate. But he lights you up. He makes you feel good. He's a kid I've had a relationship with for a while. I've been to his room. He has everything already in there, and I wanted to add to it."

Michael was bitten by a bug on July 22, 2008, and went into shock two hours later. The next day, doctors warned his family that he would likely die. He wound up spending more than seven weeks in the intensive-care unit of a South Florida hospital. He was the quarterback on his youth football team, a lacrosse player, an avid bicycle rider and video-game player.

All that changed, suddenly and without warning.

Eventually, the Heat learned of the boy's situation, and reached out. Michael was shown on the jumbo video screens Monday night during the game, got a standing ovation, then got the biggest thrill of all -- the jersey.

"Hopefully we can get that signed and get it on the wall," Wade said.

Wade has often met with sick children during his time with the Heat, usually in private, often not wanting any part of the spotlight.

He didn't want any on Monday, either, even after making a gift so publicly.

"I knew where he was sitting, so when I caught his eye and saw him smile right back, it's great," Wade said. "It didn't matter at that time, the connection that we had, it didn't matter who was looking. It was just us."

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[DoubleG441]

Dwyane Wade is as good-hearted as he is an incredible basketball player.

Along with his huge potential, I pay him respect for these things he is doing for handicaped children.

Like at the start of the video: D Wade, you are incredible!

There will never be a second Dwyane Wade.

[RocaWeaR4]

@DoubleG441

True, he makes those kids smile trough hard times.

[beezoworksinc]

Anyone who knows the producer who put this together needs the applause of the entire world and country. This is the work of someone behind the scences that understands what life is about. Also this person wants the world to know stories like this. its beautiful. Hey mr segment producer im looking for ya. I have more work. BTW D WADE IS ONE OF OUR GOOD GUYS Peace

[RocaWeaR4]

Wade is absolutely AMAZING !!!

[tehMick]

MVP.

On and off the court.

[RocaWeaR4]

He sure is

[FullmetalLakers824]

Dwyane Wade is an incredible man....not only is he the best player in the league, but he also spends some time with those that seem hopeless...Don't lose your faith in yourself, Michael. Remember what Dwade has done for you, little bro. you can do it. And Dwayne, you shall be the 2010 MVP! BELIEVE IT!

[rjiver68]

God bless D-Wade. He never lets success get to his head and is always willing to share his success to those less fortunate. He is my favorite player for his skills on the court but more of a fan for his caring heart off the court.

[dodoytanga]

my parents and d wyane is the best role models in my life and kept me believeng that i can achieve something if i just believe god bless you d wade

[FourFatherTy]

"Wade has been known for visiting other sick children, usually in private to avoid placing himself in the media spotlight."

[DoubleG441]

Kobe has rings, but D Wade has a heart (and a ring).

[gta4sergio]

I actually know this kid, he lives in my neighborhood. He is really a true warrior.

[ysomi]

Such a touching story. Great job dwyane

[beezoworksinc]

THIS IS JUST GREAT TV...GREAT STORY....

[carle16100]

I'll cut my feet and arms just to see him

[tylerpamer12]

dats mi boy