On February 18, 2012, a 10-year-old girl from Parker, Colorado was taken on her first “date,” one she will certainly never forget. It was with Denver Bronco’s quarterback and all-around “good guy” Tim Tebow.
Presli Collins, who lives with NF1, was invited on this “date” by the Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Wish 15” program, which grants wishes to children with serious illnesses. Presli’s mother, Lisa, says they couldn’t believe it when Tebow’s foundation called last week to arrange the trip. “She had just gone through a lot, and when we got the notice for this she was just completely shocked,” said Lisa.
Presli became an “NF Hero” when she was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis in 2008. Affecting 1 in every 3000 people, NF can lead to blindness, bone abnormalities, cancer, deafness, disfigurement, learning disabilities, and excruciating and disabling pain. Presli has bravely endured brain and back surgery to excise tumors, and anterior and posterior spinal fusion surgery to correct, as much as possible, scoliosis that has occurred due to NF.
While in Los Angeles, Presli was given true VIP treatment including a new dress and hairstyle, photos on the red carpet with Tebow, and “meet and greets” with celebrities such as Shaquille O’Neal, Nickelodeon star Nathan Kress, and the Disney Channel’s China Anne McClain.
Presli’s Dad remarked that he’s, “never seen her smile or be as happy as she was that weekend.” Presli’s Mom continued, “I can’t even express how grateful we are for the opportunity she’s had [and] the joy she’s had.”
“I got to meet Tim Tebow and he was a thousand times nicer than you think he is,” said Presli. “In the middle of my dinner he took me to the chocolate fountain. [He also gave me an autographed football that] says, ‘To Presli, number 15, Tim Tebow, God bless, go Broncos. Thank you for being an amazing date.”
Presli is a happy, active, young girl, but the uncertainty of NF can be wearing. “I think the hardest part is not knowing how [NF will] manifest in her body,” says her mother. But the Collins’s remain positive and optimistic, and encourage people to support the Tim Tebow Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, and the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
Some have said that Tim Tebow is the most exciting player in the NFL today. He is a Heisman Trophy winner, an All-American BCS champion, a first round draft pick, and a record setting professional Quarterback. He can now add “NF Hero’s Hero” to his list of accolades, with the sincere gratitude and appreciation of the Children’s Tumor Foundation and the millions of families worldwide who face NF everyday.
To learn more, click here for an article and video from The Huffington Post.
