Physically, Alec Lembecker has a condition that has left him with, what he describes, as half a heart.
“The left side never fully developed,” Lembecker said, “and its missing the key parts to actually function.”
Those who know him, however, also know that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Alec has a rare heart condition. He wasn’t supposed to live past 6 months old, let alone 22 years.
“I actually have gotten more complications in the last couple of years then I had in all of my childhood,” he said.
So he and his grandpa set out to make his wishes come true. The duo from Minnesota took off for a trip around Florida. One wish was to watch FGCU basketball.
“I like the colors, the 22-year-old said, “I like the mascot and I like the location.”
“I think it’s kind of Alec’s last hoorah,” said FGCU faculty member, Kelly McDowell. “Because of the medication he is taking, it’s pretty much causing organ failure. On this trip alone, Alec’s heart has stopped three times. So it’s getting pretty critical.”
McDowell talk to Alec’s grandpa about their trip. After hearing his story, she decided to call in a favor. The team made him an honorary coach for the night.
“Comer and Thompson actually presented me with stuff before the game,” Alec said, “a signed ball, signed poster and the hat and stuff,” he listed.
The FGCU family made this Thanksgiving trip extra special, and Alec and his grandpa couldn’t be more thankful.
“It was just because we sat next to someone who cared and it’s a dream come true,” his grandpa, Richard Lembecker said.