Sebastian, a soccer player and “religious Arsenal fan,” was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare and serious condition where the body stops producing enough new blood cells. He received a bone marrow transplant in the summer of 2015 and battled complications which required he return as an inpatient for an additional four months. When asked how this ordeal has shaped his life, he shared, “I don’t take anything for granted anymore.”

Sebastian is the CWFund’s first honoree with a critical illness other than cancer. “We are thrilled to provide Sebastian this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see his beloved Arsenal play on their home pitch,” said CWFund vice-chair, Darren Rudham. “Last Christmas, Sebastian was in the hospital fighting for his life, and to provide him this chance to move beyond his illness is what the Craig Willinger Fund is about.”

Sebastian and his mother traveled to see English Premier League giants, Arsenal Football Club, face West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 26, 2016. In addition to touring Emirates Stadium with Arsenal legend Perry Groves, Sebastian was granted special VIP access to watch the players arrive on game day.