NBA Nation in Philadelphia

Saturday June 26th the NBA again was so gracious in inviting our family to their event to help raise awareness for Justin's Quest. We left our house at 10 am and drove up 2 hours to the event in Great Plaza at Penn's Landing over looking the water. We arrived at 1:15pm and we received again VIP treatment from the NBA. We had VIP parking and the NBA had a area sectioned off with drinks and food for us and their employees. They gave Justin some goodies. It was a very hot day and Justin could not wait to get on his assigned basketball court, Kia Motors sponsored court. But first we had to go to the section where the Taste of Philadelphia was happening. What do you think we ate, obviously steak and cheeses subs as Philly is so famous for this delicacy. Justin also had to get a Cinnamon pretzel. The kids were well fed and hydrated and Justin insisted that we start shooting to warm up. The NBA Nation had arranged that Justin's Quest had the use of the court from 3-4pm for the crowd to shoot free throws to count towards our 63,000 goal. Justin and his brothers warmed up for about 15 minutes before and made 32 shots. The time came and the surprise guests,former 76'ers NBA player Darryl Dawkins, AKA Chocolate Thunder, and Thaddeus Young from the 76'ers current team. I told the kids about Darryl Dawkins that morning and showed them the youtube video of him shattering the backboard with one of his monstrous dunks, the kids were amazed. I shook Darryl's hand and his hand was so huge that my hand disappeared. Justin and the boys were so excited to meet Darryl and Thaddeus. Both men picked up Justin to have him dunk the ball. Every 5 minutes the PA announcers would announce for people to participate in Justin's Quest and and tell them why Justin was there and what his quest was. Audrey and I looked at each other in amazement that the NBA is helping us out and that is is all about Justin and his quest to find a cure for brain tumors. It still stings when we hear the description that " Justin is a 13 year old boy diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor". WE feel so proud of Justin and his brothers for what they are doing. They made 272 shots during the hour and Darryl made the last free throw which he shot one handed. After Justin's event was over, we watched the slam dunk contest and that was awesome. Justin again was all smiles but very determined to make his shots especially when the TV cameras were on him, he turns into a NBA pro and swishes his shots. We want to give a big THANK YOU to The NBA and NBA Nation for allowing us to participate in their event and help us raise awareness for brain tumors.