When Wish Coordinator, Tammy McDaniel, learned that Zachary’s wish was to celebrate his 18th birthday by talking football over lunch with Deuce McAllister, New Orleans Saints star franchise running back, she went right to work.  She and fellow Wish Coordinator, Dawn Hopkins, contacted Deuce’s Catch 22 Foundation to see if he would be able to help grant Zachary’s Wish.  Regular team practice plus a prior commitment, however, prevented Deuce from joining Zachary for lunch, but he agreed to stop by the restaurant after practice.

On his special day, A Child’s Wish arranged for Zachary and his family to be chauffeured by Hummer Limousine to Ruth’s Chris Steak House.  They enjoyed a delicious meal followed by a birthday toast and presentation of gifts, among which were and official NFL Deuce McAllister football jersey, a Saints cap, and video games.

Unfortunately, a longer-than-usual team practice prevented Deuce from joining the restaurant party, so he graciously volunteered to visit Zachary later that evening at his home.  During their lively discussion of “the game”, Deuce presented Zachary with a personally autographed football.  The smile on Zachary’s face was enough to let everyone know that his wish had come true!

Take a look at some of the photos from Zachary’s special day!

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