FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The Boston Celtics will be crowned NBA champions for a record 18th time.
Cesar Gonzalez, a senior at Bullard High School, witnessed some of that title-winning action up close.
It’s a wishful thinking journey to basketball’s biggest stage.
“He has seizures every day,” his mother, Deya Klassen, said.
Cesar was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 13 and began having seizures five to six times a day.
“I had to take a lot of medication over and over again,” he said.
I can no longer swim, drive or play basketball.
“It will add jobs to the existing jobs,” Klassen said.
One day, Cesar’s medical team at Stanford Health gave the family a light at the end of the tunnel by enrolling Cesar with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“When my phone rings, I know something is wrong with Cesar,” Klassen said.
Two years later, Deya was happy to get the call.
Cesar’s wish was granted.
“We’re going to the NBA Finals,” he said.
A few days later, Cesar’s mom, dad and brother boarded a plane to Boston.
“TD Garden is an amazing place,” his father, Garrett Klassen, said.
There was a police escort, luxury box seats and the chance to walk on the court before the match started.
“You see celebrities to your right, you see celebrities to your left,” Cesar said.
“The first person I saw was Shaq. He was on live TV,” Garrett said.
“I saw JJ Redick and he stopped what he was doing and took a picture with me,” Cesar said.
His fearless attitude brought my mother to tears.
“I’m a very proud mom because I couldn’t do that,” Klassen said.
As they say in Boston…
“Anything is possible,” Cesar said.
It’s a motto Cesar takes to heart.
“I live one day at a time, and I’m happy about that,” he said.
For the latest sports updates, follow Alec Nolan on Facebook. twitter And Instagram.
Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All rights reserved.
