One story—quiet, powerful, and very human—has emerged in a world full with headlines about upheaval and loss. It tells the tale of Ethan, an 11-year-old Austin, Texas boy who has been battling the most difficult struggle of his early life—a deadly brain tumor.
Ethan, a fervent supporter of Texas Longhorns football and NCAA sports, found solace in watching his team and head coach Steve Sarkisian. He kept up with every news conference, every game, and every second of the team’s season. Supporting the Longhorns became his escape from the harsh treatments and hospital stays he endured, and Coach Sarkisian became his hero.
Ethan didn’t think twice when his doctors and the Make-A-Wish team asked him what he would like to have as his last wish. “I just want to talk to Coach Sark,” he said. All he wanted was a single phone call. His wish was posted on social media by his parents and hospital employees in the hopes that the coach would see it.
The tweet went viral in a matter of hours, reaching hundreds of Longhorn supporters and, eventually, coach Steve Sarkisian. Sarkisian, however, made preparations in secret behind the scenes rather than calling. He wasn’t content to merely converse over the phone. He was moved by the young boy’s bravery and wanted to meet him.
The very next day, Coach Sarkisian unexpectedly entered Ethan’s hospital room after boarding a trip to Austin. Time seemed to stop when Ethan saw him. His eyes became wide, and a smile spread across his face, a smile of tremendous thanks, delight, and surprise.
It was quite wonderful what came next. Sarkisian spent hours sitting with Ethan, discussing life, football, and perseverance. In addition to sharing personal anecdotes and personalized mementos, he also assured Ethan that the Longhorns would dedicate their upcoming game to him. In the hallway, doctors, nurses, and other patients paused, overtaken with emotion. Once occupied by silent machinery and monitors, the space was suddenly a hive of hope and joy.
People all throughout the nation expressed their love and respect for the story as it swiftly became viral on the internet. It wasn’t about attention, though, for Coach Sarkisian. Bringing brightness into a child’s darkest moments was about doing the right thing.
Even though Ethan’s condition is still critical, he wasn’t merely a sick child in a hospital bed at that time. The man he most admired recognized him as a champion.
Heroes don’t always wear capes, as this tale serves as a reminder. Sometimes they fly across the nation to fulfill a dying boy’s wish, and other times they wear headsets on the sidelines. Ethan received much more from Coach Sarkisian than just a phone call:
