Niko from Santa Clara, Calif.*
Wish Fulfilment**: August 21, 2015

On a sunny Friday afternoon at the 49ers SAP Performance Facility, Niko and his family experienced an afternoon for the books. Niko, an 11 year-old soccer lover and 49ers Faithful, was diagnosed with cancer last year, when he felt ill after playing a tiresome weekend-long soccer tournament. Niko's cancer is situated on his brainstem. After surmounting an invasive surgery and undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy, Niko was connected with 49ers Wish presented by Brocade, to give the athletic pre-teen the sports fix he so desired, and the opportunity to meet the San Francisco 49ers. Niko and his family, 49ers Faithful from the 'Stick days, viewed the 49ers afternoon practice from the sidelines at the SAP Performance Facility. Upon the end of practice, Niko and his family were invited into the center of the players' huddle where Niko led the official conclusion of practice with a 49ers cheer. Players chanted Niko's name and were eager to sign his official San Francisco 49ers football. Colin Kaepernick was the only player allowed to sign the 11 year-old's number 7 jersey, which Niko wore on his back. Following the practice, Niko fueled up like a football player in the 49ers Café. Niko and his family will rejoin the 49ers at a home game later this season.
Jeffrey from Salt Lake City, Utah
Wish Fulfilment: August 22, 2015

When asked earlier this year what his wish would be, without hesitation, Jeffrey selected a visit to meet the San Francisco 49ers. Jeffrey is the epitome of strength and perseverance. At 12-years old, he thinks a lot about football, science, and monster trucks, but has matured well-beyond his years from dealing with aplastic anemia and bone marrow failure. Helping the team kick off its season-long 49ers Wish Fulfilments, Jeffrey visited Levi's® Stadium on August 22, with his immediate and extended family. Jeffrey is a huge fan of sports and was excited to meet his favorite player QB Colin Kaepernick after watching the team practice at the SAP Performance Facility. He even tried out some heavy weightlifting on the 49ers equipment. Jeffrey and his family rejoined the 49ers at the pre-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, August 23. While enjoying pregame warmups from the sidelines, Jeffrey was called onto the field for a rare opportunity to play catch with 49ers long snapper, Kyle Nelson—a moment sure to be remembered by all.

Rocco from Archbald, Pa.
Wish Fulfilment: September 2, 2015

A five-year-old and already a football guru, Rocco of Archbald, Pa., has a passion for 49ers football. An energetic and happy child, Rocco has Arteriovenous Malformation, which affects his circulatory system. In early September, the Make-A-Wish Foundation flew Rocco and his family across the country to meet his favorite professional football team as part of 49ers Wish presented by Brocade. Rocco was exceptionally excited to meet his favorite quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. Rocco and his family received a grand tour of Levi's® Stadium and the 49ers Museum presented by Sony and was able to watch the 49ers practice from the sidelines. After practice, Coach Tomsula and the team welcomed Rocco and his family into the post-practice huddle where he was able to meet his favorite athletes, who cheered him on and signed Rocco's jersey. When Rocco is not cheering on the red & gold, he enjoys jumping on the trampoline, family game night, Alvin and the Chipmunks, watching Shark Week, and Minions.

Anyssa from Los Angeles, Calif.
Wish Fulfilment: September 13, 2015

On Sunday, September 13, 49ers Wish presented by Brocade partnered with Make-A-Wish and the Tyler Robinson Foundation to create an extra special wish fulfilment for 15-year old Anyssa. In addition to meeting her favorite football team and passing through the same tunnel the 49ers run through on game day, Anyssa, who battled Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, was presented with a $10,000 check on behalf of the Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF). The mission of TRF is to strengthen families financially and emotionally as they cope with the tragedy of a pediatric cancer diagnosis by providing hope, information, and relief through financial services, caring volunteers, and monetary grants. Anyssa, who goes to her grandmother's house every Sunday to watch the 49ers play, was led by the players to the center of the huddle before the end of practice. To mark to conclusion of practice, she led the huddle with a cheer, selfie stick in tow. San Francisco 49ers S Eric Reid coordinated a 49ers selfie with Anyssa and snapped photos with her and the team. "I can't describe it," said Anyssa of her wish fulfilment and check presentation. "Overjoyed, happy, speechless." In partnership with organizations such as Make-A-Wish and the Dream Foundation, the goal of 49ers Wish presented by Brocade is to enrich the lives of individuals with life-threatening medical conditions or other challenges. Wish recipients and their families join the 49ers to enjoy a truly unique day in the life of the team including visits to the SAP Performance Facility and a home game at Levi's® Stadium. Fulfilling multiple wishes per year the 49ers will continue to provide these once in a lifetime experiences, with the journey not only leave a lasting impression on the individuals and their families, but on the 49ers players, coaches and staff as well.