UNC Charlotte freshman Jack Bretz Jr. was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia this past August. At the time, the 20-year-old was weeks from attempting to obtain a black belt in the martial art form Tang Soo Do.
After months of treatment, staff members at Novant Health Blume Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, inspired by Bretz’s “courage, resolve, determination and discipline,” contacted the Dream On 3 organization to help Bretz realize his sports dream to meet Chuck Norris.
According to its website, Dream On 3 was founded in 2012 to support children with chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities and life-altering conditions. The organization’s vision is a “community united in making dreams come true for some very special local children.”
On Friday, July 18, Bretz and his family leave for Las Vegas. During their stay, they will attend Norris’ United Fight Arts Federation’s annual International Training Conference and World Championships as Norris’ guests.