Meet Anijae

Meet Anijae! This 17-year-old Charlotte native has a big heart for helping others. Anijae has been a Steelers fan since the day he was born. He was even sent home from the hospital in a Steelers blanket!

Just by looking at Anijae you wouldn’t know that this high schooler’s world was thrown upside down. In 2022, he was given the sudden diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma; a type of cancer that attacks the lymph nodes.

Even though he is currently going through intensive treatment, Anijae has his sights set on a bright future ahead. He has big aspirations of becoming a football coach & an athletic trainer, so he can be a positive force in athlete’s lives, and empower others.

He dreams of being in the presence of the many athletes and coaches that are giving him the strength to keep fighting. It would be a Dream come true if Anijae was able to cheer on the Steelers and wave that Terrible Towel on home turf!

Anijae's Dream

Sweet Anijae, who came home from the hospital in a Steelers blanket, has been a fan of the team for as long as he can remember. This amazing young man was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2022 and just recently completed treatment

Day one of his Dream included a surprise from previous Dream Kid, Elijah, who surprised Anijae at home to let him know that his Dream started NOW! We loved seeing these two share time together.

Upon arrival in Pittsburgh, the team at the Omni William Penn Hotel welcomed us with open arms and immediately escorted the family to their beautiful suite where lots of goodies were waiting for everyone. The night ended with a delicious dinner at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse.

Day two started with an amazing behind the scenes tour of Acrisure Stadium. Not only did the family enjoy the Steelers Museum, they were able to check out the field! Day two ended with the family enjoying their first ever hockey game as the Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Senators.

Dream Day was magic and couldn’t be stopped with a little rain! The Steelers hosted Anijae and his family at the 50 yard line, just eight rows up from the field. He was able to take in all of the sights and sounds of his first Steelers game and loved every minute of it.

We loved seeing this amazing family make the sweetest memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you to the Aquatic Team of Mecklenburg for sponsoring Anijae’s Dream and to the Omni William Penn Hotel for taking such incredible care of our Dream Family! The William Penn team pulled out so many surprises for Anijae and we are so grateful for their love.

Dream Snapshots