LT makes wish come true

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Thursday, May 01, 2008
By Casey Pearce , Chargers.com

Eight-year-old Chandler Palmerton was tired from the jetlag of an impromptu trip to San Diego and feeling weak due to his medical condition, but his first sight of his favorite NFL player brought an ear-to-ear smile to his face that continues to show up every time LaDainian Tomlinson’s name is mentioned around him.

“Every time we bring it up, he smiles really big,” said Len Palmerton, Chandler’s father. “Just mentioning LT’s name brings a big smile. He’s talked about our trip with family. He’s kind of weak, but it always makes him smile.”

Chandler Palmerton is battling an ependymoma, a brain tumor that can cause back pain, numbness in the limbs and blurred vision among other painful symptoms. In hopes of lifting his spirits, Palmerton’s family contacted the Chargers through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and quickly arranged a trip to San Diego.

Through the “Madden” video game series, Chandler has developed an admiration for Tomlinson, and he requested to meet the reigning two-time NFL rushing champion. Tomlinson was more than cooperative, and the trip came together in just a couple of days.

“We pretty much found out the day of our flight that we were going out there,” Len Palmerton said. “His condition, it can be a rapid-growing tumor. It’s gotten worse. They wanted him to be able to enjoy the experience before it gets worse than it is. We’re very appreciative of all that the Chargers and Make-A-Wish did.”

Chandler arrived at Chargers Park with his parents and little brother last Thursday. Shortly after signing a contract to play for the Bolts, Chandler made his way to the locker room to find his locker. Players such as Kris Dielman and Philip Rivers stopped by to spend some time with Chandler, but the biggest smile came when LT arrived moments later. The conversation quickly turned to video games.

“He told me he loved to play with me on Madden,” Tomlinson said. “It was one of the best things because it brought a smile to his face. To hear about something he enjoys doing felt good for me. Then it feels like we’re connected some way because he plays with me on Madden.”

Chandler spent several minutes in Tomlinson’s locker as LT autographed several items for his new friend. They then made their way out to the practice field where Chandler was by Tomlinson’s side as LT worked out with his teammates through the Chargers’ offseason conditioning program.

While the experience was special, it was also a little difficult for Chandler.

“Up until the time of his tumor, he really excelled at football,” Len Palmerton said. “He’s not old enough to play tackle yet, but the two flag football teams he’s played for won back-to-back championships in their league. He was one of the stars of their team. He got a little aggravated watching those guys (workout). It’s his dream to do that one day and he’s been down because he hasn’t been able to run around.”

When the Chargers moved from their speed drills into the weight room, Chandler followed and enjoyed a chat with Antonio Gates. He spent a little more time with Tomlinson before Chandler became physically drained and called it an early day.

“He was supposed to watch the whole workout but he really didn’t feel good,” Tomlinson said. “Nobody can understand what he’s going through but him. I was just happy that he was able to come hang out with me for a little while. It was special for me to meet him.”

Chandler spent Friday at the San Diego Zoo with his family before returning home with quite a collection of memories. The Palmertons live roughly an hour from Cincinnati in Georgetown, Kentucky, where the Bengals hold training camp. After a day at Chargers Park, those tigers may change their stripes.

“I’m more of a Bengals fan, but meeting a lot of those guys, I’m becoming a big Chargers fan,” Len Palmerton said. “All of those guys were super nice. Everybody was sincere and didn’t act like they were above the experience. They went out of their way to make it special for Chandler. They could have easily just said hi and left it at that, but they stuck around and spent some time with him. They were unbelievable.”

The Palmertons were especially impressed with Tomlinson and his generosity.

“He’s so down to earth,” Len Palmerton said. “You can tell he’s had a good upbringing. Here’s a guy that makes tons of money, has been an MVP and had so much success. He’s not just a star, he’s the superstar. You can tell when someone is just going along and when that’s really who they are. He was as good of a guy as I’ve met. Chandler wasn’t saying a whole lot but LT kept talking to him and trying to perk him up.”

Tomlinson was humbled to have an opportunity to be part of such a special day.

“Any time you’re around a situation like that, you always appreciate the situation that you have,” Tomlinson said. “This is just a kid. You question why stuff like this happens and it doesn’t make much sense. The only thing I can do is try to make him feel better and grant some wishes he might have.

“I’ve got his number. I’m going to keep up with him and see how he’s doing. I want to encourage him the best I can. Chandler is pretty amazing.”

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