Trojan Wish: Noah Buenrostro
September 03, 2019 | Football, Trojan Outreach, Features
The walk with Noah from Heritage Hall to the United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was full of life. Street vendors offered hot dogs and ice cold waters — everything imaginable to prepare for the Trojans' first home game of the 2019-20 football season. The Trojans were up against the Fresno State Bulldogs on Saturday, Aug., 31.Â
As the Buenrostro family approached the Coliseum, it was apparent that with every step he took, Noah's confidence grew.Â
Noah Buenrostro is an 11-year old fighter — in more ways than one. He was born with Poland Syndrome and symbrachydactyly. Fortunately, he's had two surgeries that have helped him tremendously with the dexterity in his right hand.
When people ask what's wrong with his hand, Noah simply says, "I was born this way and it's OK to be different, because we are all perfectly imperfect."
Both his parents, Rose and Hector Buenrostro, instilled confidence and gratitude in Noah from a young age. Mr. Buenrostro has even encouraged Noah to take a swing at boxing. His zeal for life has inspired both of his parents to persevere through their own struggles.
"He is unstoppable," said Mr. Buenrostro. "Every time I see my son, it motivates me. Knowing that he can go through life and overcome this condition lets me know that I should never say I can't accomplish anything."
Once they finally reached the field of the LA Coliseum, Noah was captivated. He was able to watch how the Trojans prepared for games from just a few feet away. There was even an opportunity for him to watch Navy Seal Leap Frogs parachute down to the field from 30,000 feet above. One highlight every year is the photo with the USC Song Girls just before kickoff.
This photo has become something symbolic for the Song Girls and even their director, Lori Nelson.
"This is our favorite part of the game," she said. "It's so meaningful to do something for other people who are going through a tough time in their lives. That's what our program is all about. It's really a service to other people. Anything we can do to make someone else's life better and more meaningful is worth it for us."
Robert Weiner, a USC alum and current Vice President of Development with Children's Hospital Los Angeles, echoed Nelson's sentiments. Weiner is a liaison between USC and Children's Hospital to find children like Noah, who could use the uplifting experience.
Weiner has a lasting relationship with Noah and was ecstatic getting to see the Buenrostro family be embraced by the entire Trojan community.
"The Trojan Spirit is all about how we can help the community," Weiner said. "Noah has had a rough time with Poland's, so to have him out on the football field and see that he can be just like these players is a blessing for everyone involved."
Each person who participated in this week's Trojan Wish learned a valuable lesson from Noah and his family. Regardless of what obstacles life presents, they can be overcome with support and the confidence to know that everyone is more than capable.
As the Buenrostro family put it, Noah's fight made everyone realize that they were all perfectly imperfect.
