|
|
Football, Tatoos, and a Dream Come True!
By Jessica Esch
What does it take to put a smile on Amy Rettenmeier’s face? An Iowa Hawkeye tattoo on her cheek seems to do the trick each fall...
Amy and her sister Staci began receiving services from The Arc in 1995 after being diagnosed with Juvenile Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD), a genetic disorder that impairs the growth or development of the myelin sheath - the covering that acts as an insulator around nerve fibers. Four types of MLD occur with varying ages of onset and courses, namely, late infantile, early juvenile, late juvenile, and adult forms. All forms of the disease involve a progressive deterioration of motor and neurocognitive function. There is no cure for MLD at this time.
Every year since the diagnosis, the Rettenmeier family has been invited by the Make a Wish Foundation to an Iowa football game and a day packed full of Iowa Hawkeye fun.
This year, Amy, her dad, Dale, and friend Jacki Dougherty attended the Iowa vs. Montana game in September. The picture perfect weather set the stage for their once-a-year celebration of family, friends, and of course – the Hawkeye’s!
A pre-game party at the Field House catered by Hy-Vee kicked the day off right – after all, what’s a football game without hot dogs, hamburgers and cookies? After everyone was fueled up, the kids got pumped up by shooting baskets, jumping in an inflatable jungle gym, and Amy’s favorite part of the day – getting decked out with Hawkeye tattoos and t-shirts. And then… GAME TIME!
The Rettenmeier’s and the rest of the Make-A-Wish group settled into the sea of black and gold and did their share of cheering but cheered the loudest when the Make-A-Wish Game Day announcement was made and the participants of the day were able to see their names on the scoreboard!
After the Hawkeye victory, the group was off to celebrate with ice cream and a special presentation from the Iowa Hawkeye cheerleaders and pom-pom squad at the Field House. And because the day wouldn’t be complete without a picture with Herkey the Hawk and an autographed poster, the group was treated to guest appearances from the beloved Iowa Hawkeye mascot and a selection of the football team.
But the day wasn’t over yet! Before the group headed home each participant was given a bag full of Hawkeye souvenirs, candy, and an Iowa Hawkeye cookie bouquet.
So do wishes really come true? If the smiles in the pictures from the day are any indication, yes they do.
(Sources: www.emedicine.com/ and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.)
|
|