Hoop Dream: Wish children meet Celtics

This spring, three boys stepped onto the famed parquet of TD Garden and became the heroes of their very own hoop dream.  On March 25th, the Boston Celtics granted their wishes to meet their favorite players:  Paul Pierce, Tony Allen, and Kevin Garnett.

The three boys live in different towns and face different diagnoses.  Christopher (age 12, from Wareham) endures fistfuls of medicine every day, during his struggle with cystic fibrosis.  Aaron (age 18, from Webster) travels back and forth to the hospital to receive treatments for renal disease.  And Hassan (age 18, from Brockton) was born a fighter, diagnosed with a congenital heart condition.

Despite their different journeys, Christopher, Aaron, and Hassan share a passion for basketball.  During their most challenging days, the three boys turn their Celtics heroes for strength and motivation.  Each wished to meet their favorite players in person, at the site of Celtics glory: TD Garden.

Last month, the Celtics brought this dream to life, by giving Christopher, Aaron, and Hassan the keys to the stadium.  The three boys toured the Celtics workout room, met the team trainers, and took turns trying on a championship ring, and posed for photos with the championship trophy.

After the tour, the boys hit the court!  As they dribbled, passed, and shot, the three young heroes were joined by three living legends.  Christopher, Aaron, and Hassan were awestruck to meet Paul Pierce, Tony Allen, and Kevin Garnett.  For one inspiring afternoon, three seriously ill children stood as tall as three Celtics legends.

Photos (clockwise):

• 12-year-old Christopher at the Garden
• 18-year-old Hawan receives an autograph
• 18-year-old Aaron poses with Paul Pierce

Photography by Michael Blanchard