Portland Timbers grant wish of 8-year-old cancer patient

May 02, 2013 • • min read

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Portland Timbers made a young boy's dream come true on Wednesday when they took on his side after Make-A-Wish Oregon had arranged the exhibition game.

Atticus Lane-Dupre reacts after scoring the winning goal for The Green Machine

Photo: Facebook

Eight-year-old Atticus Lane-Dupre learned he had cancer last fall when he started to feel pain while playing with his team, The Green Machine.

He was diagnosed with cancer (Wilms' tumor) and missed the last game of the season as a result of the treatment he was receiving.

Without hesitation, The Green Machine rallied around Atticus to provide support.

Recently, Make-A-Wish Oregon stepped forward to grant Atticus a wish. Atticus chose something that would include his entire team so he asked if his Green Machine could play a match against the Timbers.

The support from friends, family and others during his son's treatment was one reason why Atticus brought his team along for the experience.

The boy explained: "Usually kids just choose to go to Disneyland with their family or getting something and I chose something that lots of people could do."

Portland Timbers and The Green Machine pose for a photo after the match

Photo: Facebook

On Wednesday morning, The Green Machineplayed against a select group of Timbers players including the likes of Darlington Nagbe, Will Johnson, Jack Jewsbury and Mikaël Silvestre.

Commemorative scarves were made for the event and the Timbers set up a locker room for their young opponents. Hanging in each locker was a green jersey with the boys' names imprinted on the back.

And to make the day even more special, 3,000 Timbers fans showed up to cheer him on and create the fantastic atmosphere that Timbers matches are known for.

The Green Machine beat the Timbers 10-9, with Atticus scoring the winning goal in the final minute at JELD-WEN Field.

"It is an honor to team up with Make-A-Wish and to be a part of this special wish for Atticus," said Timbers coach Caleb Porter.

"We are excited to see The Green Machine take the field at JELD-WEN Field and help create special memories for this young man."

After the match, Johnson exchanged jerseys with Atticus.

"It's the first and only time in my career I'll ask for somebody's jersey," Johnson said as he proudly donned the too-small jersey.

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