LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — Jack Teeter is waiting on a wish.
Last year the 17-year-old star pitcher at Academy at the Lakes in Land O’ Lakes was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
While laying low at home during his chemotherapy treatments, the athlete found solace in a particular celebrity.
But it wasn’t a baseball player who lifted his spirits as he battled cancer.
It was bad boy chef Gordon Ramsay.
“I just love how he curses everybody out,” Jack laughs.
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, the local arm of the beloved charity, has granted more than 12,000 wishes of critically ill children.
When the group wanted to build a wish for Jack, he said he wanted to meet Ramsay.
Only one problem.
“Seventy-seven percent of our wishes involve air travel,” says Lisa Andrews of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. “And because of the coronavirus, those wishes have to be put on hold.”
Jack is not alone in waiting for his wish.
The charity has started a #WishesAreWaiting campaign. Celebrities, including Ramsay and Ryan Reynolds, have recorded messages telling kids to keep their spirits up as everyone waits for the pandemic tail off.
All those wishes will be granted soon.
As for Jack Teeter, he’s willing to wait.
After all, another of his wishes has already come true.
His cancer is currently in remission and he’s feeling great.
For more information on Make-A-Wish Southern Florida and wish referral click here.
