PEPPERELL — Owen Coole loves animals, being outdoors, and sports. He is a soccer player in the Nashoba Valley Youth Soccer League, and if he had one wish come true, it would be to play on the New England Revolution Soccer Team.
This past Saturday, with the help of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 9-year-old Owen, who has cystic fibrosis, learned that his dream will come true.
At a surprise reveal, Owen learned at the end of his soccer game that his wish to be a member of the New England Revolution team will be granted on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough.
Participating with Owen on this special wish reveal day, were his mom Danielle D’eon and stepdad Andrew Johnson, his dad Joshua Coole and stepmom Anna Carlson, and his sister, Kelsey Leonardi, along with his extended family and teammates from the Pepperell B34 Timbers, and members of the opposing team, the Harvard B34 Gunners.
Owen’s surprise wish reveal was organized by dedicated Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island volunteers – Lindsay Cahill of Dracut, who herself is a 1999 wish recipient and Kate Greene of Billerica. The pair make up Owen’s wish volunteer team, working with Make-A-Wish staff to plan his wish.
“Wish granting for me is a way of giving back to Make-A-Wish in gratitude for my own wish being granted over two decades ago,” said Cahill. “The feeling is immeasurable, and each wish is a rewarding journey for both wish child and wish granter alike. I could not be happier for Owen and his family and can hardly wait to celebrate with them and the New England Revolution on Owen’s wish day.”
Greene says she is over-the-top excited for Owen and his wish day.
“Owen is such an enthusiastic, kind boy who is so loved by his family, his teammates, and his community,” Greene said. “He deserves this great opportunity to immerse himself with the team and sport that he loves!”
His wish will coincide with Make-A-Wish Night with the New England Revolution. This special night celebrates the Make-A-Wish mission and the 40th anniversary of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
“Owen was so surprised; he and our family felt like it was caring and supportive to have his teammates involved in his wish reveal,” said Owen’s mom, Danielle D’eon. “It was great to see his team have his back.”
Owen enjoys staying active, and his parents believe that is what helps him remain motivated and happy.
“Owen is extremely excited to meet his role models – the New England Revolution players – and to feel the excitement of being a professional soccer player,” Owen’s dad, Joshua Coole, said.
Every wish granted comes together thanks to volunteers, donors, and members of the community who rally for the kids and their families.
“We love seeing Owen’s soccer team participate in surprising him with the news that his wish will be granted,” said Sean Holleran, CEO, Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. “Our thanks to all who came out to be part of his reveal. We are very grateful to the New England Revolution for their partnership in creating what will be a day full of joy and hope for Owen and his family and all who will witness his wish coming true.”
To learn more and get involved, and for tickets to Make-A-Wish Night with the New England Revolution, visit www.massri.wish.org.