Video of Orbit telling Wish Kids that their wishes will be granted, from Thurs. Sept. 29 (credit Houston Astros) - https://vimeo.com/755568953/02ec7b6eb4

HOUSTON, Texas – The Houston Astros will officially grant the wishes of three young Astros fans for Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, celebrating the 10,000th wish in the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana territory at the upcoming Astros game on Oct. 4 against the Philadelphia Phillies.  

Ahead of this week’s game, Orbit along with members of the Shooting Stars surprised three Wish Kids with the news that they will officially be drafted to the Big Leagues.

The wish kids, ranging in ages from 12 to 18, will be signed to a one-day contract, presented with custom Astros jerseys and special goodies, and enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime to meet players during batting practice prior to the start of the game.  Before heading to a private suite hosted by The Astros Foundation, the wish kids will announce “Play Ball” prior to the start of the game. 

“The Make-A-Wish movement is possible thanks to the commitment of local community partners like the Houston Astros. Together, we can restore hope and joy to wish kids and their families in their time of greatest need,” said Yara Elsayed Guest, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana.

With the granting of these wishes at the game, Make-A-Wish will celebrate a major milestone—the official granting of its 10,000th wish in the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana territory. In the last year, the organization granted 572 wishes to local children and has set a bold goal to double the number of wishes it’s granting annually by 2025.

“The Houston Astros are very excited to be able to grant the wishes of three very deserving kids, and it is especially exciting to be able to celebrate the 10,000th wish for Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana,” said Paula Harris, Executive Director, Astros Foundation and Senior VP of Community Affairs for the Houston Astros.  “We welcome the opportunity to leverage the game of baseball to create special memories for these kids and their families – and are grateful to our players and coaches for wanting to be a part of this special day.”

Meet the Wish Kids:

Adrian, 12 years old, gastrointestinal disorder

- Enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible; despite difficulties with his illness, Adrian is determined to be on the diamond and is currently in a slow-pitch softball league (playing, of course, for the Astros).

- His favorite class is….recess!

- Wishes to meet Kyle Tucker and Orbit…when asked who he would choose if he could only meet one, he said, “Orbit for sure!”  (But don’t tell Kyle!)

Elizabeth, 14 years old, end stage kidney disease

- Although she watches almost every game on TV, Elizabeth has never attended a game in-person.

- Her dialysis treatments require her to spend most of her time at home, where she colors with her mother, cooks, and reads (she is a big Harry Potter fan).

- Wishes to meet Jose Altuve and give him a “strong hug!”

Lourdes, 18 years old, Hodgkin's Lymphoma

- Lourdes has been to several games at Minute Maid Park, but she usually sits in the upper decks, so she is looking forward to seeing the action up close and giving the players some good luck before each at-bat.

- After her treatments left her unable to attend school for two years, she is now in remission from cancer and attending classes in-person for her senior year!

Wishes to meet Jose Altuve.