In Raleigh, North Carolina, 15-year-old Luke Girardi, a devoted Wolfpack fan, enjoyed a special weekend thanks to the nonprofit Dream on 3.
Fifteen-year-old Luke Girardi is living out his dream as a dedicated Wolfpack fan. His love for NC State started at birth, inspired by his parents. “Since they were in diapers, we brought them to the games,” said Rob Girardi, Luke’s father and a proud university alumnus. “They got used to the noise and crowd. They started loving the Pack just like us.”
Luke has Down syndrome and alopecia. He communicates mainly through gestures and short words, but his passion for sports is clear. When the Charlotte-based nonprofit Dream on 3 learned about his story, they decided to give him a memorable weekend.
“Luke came to us from Gigi’s Playhouse in Raleigh. Luke is a wonderful human being. He has a smile that stays with you that you won’t forget,” said Manie Condie with Dream on 3.
This weekend, Luke attended both the men’s and women’s basketball games. On Friday, his smile lit up the arena as he met the men’s basketball team and watched them practice. “One, two, three…go Pack,” Luke cheered, showing that dreams can indeed come true.
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | Met men’s basketball team and watched practice | Raleigh, NC |
| This weekend | Attended men’s and women’s basketball games | Raleigh, NC |
