Growing up with severe Von Willebrand Type 3, I was constantly treated differently, especially when it came to sports. It was never directly said that I didn’t belong, but it was always implied through the way people responded to me. Instead of being pushed to try, I was often met with hesitation, concern, and sympathy. People would suggest I sit out, take it easy, or wait for another time, not realizing that those words didn’t feel protective; they felt limiting. I didn’t want to be seen as someone who needed to be held back or treated differently. What bothered me most wasn’t the condition itself, but the way it made others view me, as if I were fragile, as if I couldn’t handle the same moments everyone else was experiencing.
Because of that, I eventually reached out to Make-A-Wish, not fully knowing what to expect. I told them about my love for basketball and how much the sport meant to me, even though it had always felt just out of reach. From the beginning, they treated me differently from what I was used to. Instead of focusing on limitations, they focused on what was possible. Through constant updates, calls, and reassurance, they made something that felt unrealistic slowly become real, and eventually, I was allowed to attend the 2026 NBA All-Star events.
From the moment I arrived, everything felt surreal. I was welcomed into an environment where I wasn’t treated as someone who needed to be protected, but as someone who deserved to be there. I met other wish recipients, connected with people who understood what it meant to go through something challenging, and immediately felt a sense of belonging. We watched the Rising Stars game and had the chance to meet World Famous Rookies and Sophomore players like Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and VJ Edgecombe. Being able to talk to them, open card packs together, and just interact normally made the experience feel real in a way I never expected.
The experience continued with attending the Celebrity Game, where I was actually on the court and even appeared on the Jumbotron. I also had the chance to meet creators like Jesser and LSK, which made the moment even more memorable. However, the highlight of the entire trip was All-Star Media Day, where everything truly came full circle. I had been watching these players since I was six years old, coming home from school, turning on the TV, and watching them dominate the game. Now, I was standing in front of them, able to ask them any questions I wanted, which felt completely unreal. I spoke to Kawhi Leonard about his time in Toronto, his Tim Hortons order, and even the jokes people make about his hands being so big. I also had the chance to speak with the reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, about what it was like growing up in Hamilton and being from similar communities, which made the conversation feel even more personal and meaningful. For the first time, I wasn’t watching from the sidelines or through a screen. I was there, part of the moment.
What made this experience truly meaningful wasn’t just the events themselves, but how I was treated throughout it all. For once, I wasn’t seen as someone fragile or someone who needed to be held back. I was treated like everyone else, and that changed the way I see myself. Make-A-Wish didn’t just give me an unforgettable experience; they gave me a new perspective. They showed me that even though I’ve faced challenges growing up, those challenges don’t define my limits. More importantly, they showed me that I’m not alone, and that some people and communities will always support you and help you experience things you once thought were impossible. Thank you, Fanatics, Make-A-Wish, NBA Cares, and Hemophilia Ontario for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime; it truly was the greatest weekend of my life!
Sincerely,
Ryan Saini
