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Cole’s Wish Story

Cole, 10, Lake Oswego
Wish: to meet NBA All-Star Chris Paul

Last month, Cole, age 10, of Lake Oswego, experienced his wish-come-true to meet his NBA basketball idol Chris Paul. With the help of ESPN’s SportsCenter, Cole’s wish to shoot hoops with the New Orleans Hornets point guard was captured in the acclaimed “My Wish” series. Cole qualified for a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon because he was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma.

For his wish, Cole was given the VIP treatment by Lucky Limousine, who drove him to Portland International Airport by limo. Cole, his parents and two brothers boarded a plane to Chris Paul’s hometown of Winston-Salem, NC. Cole and his family started out the wish day in their hotel where they were told they were waiting to be picked up for the wish. Yet, Chris Paul arrived early and surprised Cole in the hotel, welcoming him with a hug.  Seeing his role model for the first time, Cole was a little short on words, but still managed to be a very mature and eloquently spoken 10 year-old.  Cole chatted with Chris for some time before Chris invited Cole to ride with him in his car to the next stop—his high school gym to play basketball. 

On the way to the high school, Chris took an unexpected detour, driving past the high school and on to his childhood home. There he told Cole about his experience growing up as a smaller kid and being told he would never make it as a basketball player.  He also talked about his great upbringing and the benefits of finishing your homework before playing, staying in school, and eating dinner with your family.

Once at the high school gym, Chris and Cole played H-O-R-S-E and one-on-one for about an hour.  Cole plays point guard on his team back home, and impressed Chris Paul with his stellar basketball skills.  As they left the gym, Chris took the basketball they had been playing with and signed the ball, something to the effect of “Cole, you beat me at HORSE, but I beat you at 1 on 1.”

The final stop was a trip to the Olive Garden, where Cole and Chris had a private room to eat lunch.  Cole and Chris ate together at the same table and Cole told Chris about all he has been through over the past year, getting sick and going through treatment.  Sharing his story with Chris was the perfect way to end a great day with his basketball idol!

At the end of the day Cole said to his dad, “This was the best day of my life.”

Click here to watch Cole’s “My Wish” story.