On Saturday, 12-year-old Brandon Willis attended his first-ever Trojan football game. USC's Trojan Wish program provided an unforgettable experience for the diehard fan, who has Spina Bifida and a cognitive brain disorder.Before the game, Brandon was gifted an authentic No. 9 jersey and enjoyed multiple hamburgers at USC's Cardinal and Gold tailgate. He was accompanied by his father, Tyrel, his school principal, Nat Adams, and Adams' son, Colby, whom Brandon goes to school with and looks up to.
Brandon had never attended a football game before, in part because his Spina Bifida has made it difficult for him to walk, especially in crowded areas. His whole life, though, he has exceeded doctors' expectations, by getting out of his wheelchair and doing away with his walker. He even re-learned to walk after having major surgery.
Brandon and his friends and family traveled three hours from Ventura County to watch the game, and thankfully it didn't disappoint. He particularly enjoyed meeting the Song Girls, watching the Spirit of Troy play, and seeing the C-17 flyover after the national anthem. Of course, USC's 21-17 win over Colorado was pretty fun to watch, too.
"It was amazing to see my son smile as much and as bright as he was," said Tyrel. "He had the time of his life. It was amazing to see his smile again."
