Thomas “TJ” Bero of Akwesasne is an incredible 5-year-old boy who was born with a severe heart condition and has been through 2 operations already. Last year, they came across an extreme complication while attempting to fix his heart valve. Because of the risk of colds due to his condition TJ stays home and is currently home schooled. So far he has been doing amazingly well given his condition.

“He is doing good, loves life and loves football,” said his mother Angela Bero.

Last month Mrs. Bero got a call that TJ’s teachers from BOCES at Salmon River had nominated him for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and that they would be coming to his home with a big surprise and to help him plan for a wish.

“When he heard ‘Make-a-Wish’ and ‘Where would you want to go first?’ the first thing he said was Super Bowl!” said Mrs. Bero.

Thomas Bero and his cousin Brandon Lazore-McDonald play football in the living room.

Make-a-Wish representatives Diane Roberts and Candace Gadway arrived at the Bero residence to meet with TJ, his parents and his family and friends who gathered for the visit, with a football cake made from cupcakes by Three Feathers Internet Café.

TJ was greeting everybody at the door with a smile, even the TV repairman who came to fix the television in time for the Super Bowl XLIV. Because he does not leave his home often he gets to play football in the house with his cousin.

TJ’s first choice wish is to go to Super Bowl XLV in Florida next year. But, he will need his doctor’s authorization because of his heart condition. His second choice wish is to go to Disney World in Florida and stay at a football themed resort.

Photos by Mary La France