From Dream on 3

Emmanuel Martinez Arredondo is a kind and compassionate sophomore attending Northwest Cabarrus High School. This 15-year-old has battled end stage kidney disease for the past four years. During this time, Emmanuel’s day-to-day life has looked drastically different compared to his peers.

In February 2023, the prayers of Emmanuel, his family, and the community were answered. After so much time placing life on hold, Emmanuel received his long-awaited kidney transplant. Post-transplant, Emmanuel continues to face medical challenges but remains positive through the love and support of those around him including the Northwest Cabarrus “Junior Dream Team (JDT).”

Dream On 3’s JDT program helps student leaders set goals, solve problems, and influence their peers positively. The program culminates, after months of planning, with an over-the-top, sports-focused Dream Experience for a fellow classmate that is living with a life-altering condition.

The Northwest Cabarrus JDT has been working and fundraising for months to ensure that Emmanuel’s dream to go to a Charlotte FC game and spend time with the team comes true! This weekend Emmanuel will be the guest of the Charlotte FC Soccer Team which will include front row views of the pre-game practice, time with the Charlotte FC players, pictures, lunch with the team, and even his very own customized locker.

On Saturday, April 13th Emmanuel will be recognized as Honorary Captain by Atrium Health and afterwards, he and his family will be guests in the Atrium Suite to watch the game against Toronto FC.

Emmanuel’s Charlotte FC Sendoff Celebration at Northwest Cabarrus HS took place on April 12th at 9:30am in the school’s stadium.

When our schools and community unite with a culture of inclusivity, the result is an overwhelming sense of goodwill and the impact is life-changing! For more information about Dream On 3 and how to support their mission, www.dreamon3.org.

###

About Dream On 3 Carolinas (DO3):  Dream On 3 Carolinas is a non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling sports dreams for kids and teens in North and South Carolina living with life-altering medical conditions. Through partnerships with local healthcare providers and national sports organizations, DO3 Carolinas aims to provide transformative experiences that inspire hope, love, and joy in the lives of deserving children throughout the Carolinas. Dream On 3, a national 501c3 organization headquartered in Charlotte, NC with chapters serving the Carolinas, Colorado, Washington, D.C. and Georgia. To learn more, please visit www.dreamon3.org.