I am Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Biggest Fan! You can’t tell me anything different! So when I found out I would be meeting him I couldn’t believe it!!
I first learned about Giannis reading an article on a plane 10 years ago and started following his career. His story resonated with me because of the racism he faced and how close he was to his family. I wouldn’t call myself an NBA fan but I certainly became a Milwaukee Bucks fan. I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited about a team winning a championship as I was when the Bucks won the championship. I’ve been to a game before and never imagined then I would have the opportunity to meet Giannis. When my daughter told me she had submitted an application to Wish of a Lifetime through AARP https://wishofalifetime.org/ for me to meet him I still never thought it would happen. When they called several months ago to inquire more about my wish I was ecstatic! The team from AARP was very thorough and actually interviewed me. During the interview they told me it was not a guarantee that I would meet him but they might be able to send me to a game and asked if I would view that as a Wish of a Lifetime. I had to be honest and tell them no. I mean I had already been to a game. After that interview a couple of months went by and I didn’t hear anything else so I figured that was that.
Then in June my daughter told me she needed me to jump on a Zoom call with the family to discuss something that was coming up. Once we were all on, she announced– “Congratulations—You are going to meet Giannis” I couldn’t believe it! My Wish had been granted! AARP was going to fly me and a guest to Chicago to meet Giannis. Christina at AARP was AMAZING! She paid attention to every detail even making sure I had a poster to be signed and adjusting my travel to accommodate a trip I previously had planned. My grandson Thomas travelled with me and it was wonderful to have that 1-1 time with him. Our original flight to Chicago was cancelled but we got on one the next day which was good thinking by Christina to consider possible flight issues. We were meeting Giannis at the The National Sports Card Convention – July 30 – August 3, 2025 | Donald E. Stevens Convention Center. Shout out to The National for comping our tickets to get in. I would be able to get a picture with him and his brothers and also get an autograph. When I was going up to get the picture I said to my daughter—I can’t believe I’m this close to him!! Being able to stand next to him for the picture was even closer! I couldn’t stop smiling!
I also am a big fan of his mom – Veronica. Her story of how she raised her family was inspiring to me. So I wrote a letter to his Mom and when I went to get the autograph, I handed the letter to him and asked him to give it to his mom (I also wrote him a letter). He was so surprised! That was amazing! The whole experience is something I will never forget.
At this stage in my life experiences are what fuel me. I have been blessed in so many ways and to have spent 87 years on this earth is something I don’t take for granted. The team at AARP and specifically Christina Jay will long be appreciated by me and my family. The special moments I had with my grandson are also something I will never forget. I will hold onto these memories and keep being spontaneous and embracing all that life brings my way. #Spontaneighty
