General | 2/7/2026 2:30:00 PM
ERIE, PA – For an eighth consecutive year, the Gannon University Department of Athletics and Make-A-Wish® teamed up to reveal a wish to a child on Saturday during Gannon's Basketball doubleheader at the Highmark Events Center.
Reagan, an 13-year-old from Erie, PA, her brother, Charles, and mother, Tina will be attending SeaWorld and other Orlando theme parks, courtesy of Make-A-Wish and Gannon Athletics.
Her wish was revealed through a mock episode of her favorite show, "Friends", when members of the Gannon Student Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C) revealed that the title of the episode was "The One Where Reagan Goes to Florida".
"Of all the things we do as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, our partnership with Make-A-Wish makes the biggest impact", said S.A.A.C Co-Presidents Zoë Gaetjens & Paco Palacian. "Having the opportunity to grant a wish is truly a rewarding experience after our year long efforts to support Make-A-Wish. It's also a significant experience for our student-athletes to step away from their own training and see the kind of resilience these kids show every day. It's a privilege for us to host these families and help create a memory that lasts."
Every year, Make-A-Wish® grants life-changing wishes to children living with critical illness.
Gannon University raised $14,339 for Make-A-Wish during the 2024–25 academic year, ranking second among all NCAA Division II institutions. That effort also contributed to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) finishing as Division II's top fundraising conference once again. Because of this sustained commitment, Gannon was selected as one of just 16 Division II institutions to host a Wish Reveal, providing a meaningful and celebratory moment for a child and family in the Make-A-Wish community.
"Participating in Make-A-Wish wish reveals is one of the most meaningful things we get to do as an athletic department", said Kerri Makay, Assistant Athletics Director for External Relations. "Moments like these go far beyond wins and losses and show the true impact athletics can have on a child and their family. We are grateful for the opportunity to help create memories that will last a lifetime."
Gannon Athletics is now working to raise money for another wish reveal for the 2026-27 year
