GOING INTO my freshman year in high school, my biggest worries were homework and hockey practice. Pretty much the same as every other 15-year-old. That would change rather quickly. When I went to the doctor for a check-up because of a bad cough, I left with news that I couldnt have possibly imagined. I was diagnosed with cancer -- non-Hodgkin lymphoma -- and had no idea what was ahead.A few months after I began what would become two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy, I was approached by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. ?Several ideas went through my head, but my wish ended up being a pretty easy decision. I had no doubt that if I could do one thing it would be to skate with my favorite hockey player, Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. Months passed before we got the news that my wish had been granted, and it was absolutely worth the wait.During one of my hockey games, after the seniors were introduced, they played an audio recording of Ovechkin inviting my family and me to visit the Capitals in Washington, D.C. We flew out two days later. The next few days would result in some of the best memories I have ever had. We got to hang out with Ovie and the team for three days. We got to go to two games and watch him score the overtime winner in the second. But that wasnt even the best part. We went to their practice facility to meet the entire team and coaching staff. After they finished practice, we went into the locker room where they had a locker set up just for me with brand new gear. Then my brother and I skated with Ovechkin and a few other players for almost an hour. That was probably the coolest hour of my life.Make-A-Wish, in my opinion, is one of the greatest organizations in the world because it gives kids like me a total vacation from whatever they are currently going through. My family and I are forever grateful because they gave us hope and joy, not only for those few days but for the rest of my treatment.I have now been done with my treatment for a little more than three years and am a perfectly healthy 20-year-old kid. I am still a huge Capitals fan and watch just about every game. Right now I am working in the golf business. I have also done a lot of volunteer work with Make-A-Wish Idaho, from speaking engagements to helping prepare for fundraising events.Custom Pittsburgh Pirates Jerseys . Takahashi, who had a 10-point lead after the short program, received 268.31 points after the free skate to finish 15 points ahead of second-place Nobunari Oda. Pirates Jerseys China . -- Playing time has been limited for Maxim Tissot this season, so the Montreal Impact defender made the most of his first scoring opportunity on Saturday. https://www.cheappiratesjerseys.us/ . Speaking Thursday on TSN 1050 Thursday, the Leafs GM also touched on the questions surrounding the teams leadership and the struggles of his big-name free-agent signing. “Its not from lack of effort from the coaching staff. Pirates Jerseys 2020 . Ancelotti says Ronaldo has recovered from a hamstring injury but "but he doesnt feel comfortable yet so we wont risk him." Madrid is third in the Spanish league, six points behind leader Barcelona, going into Saturdays game against Valladolid. Pittsburgh Pirates Gear . -- Vincent Lecavalier got everything but the desired result in his return to Tampa Bay.Restricted free agent big man Miles Plumlee is re-signing with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to his agent.Mark Bartelstein, who is based in Chicago, told ESPN.com on Monday that Plumlee and the Bucks have come to terms on a four-year deal worrth $52 million.ddddddddddddPlumlee averaged 5.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 61 games with the Bucks last season. ' ' '