On a cold night in December, a little boy named William Woleben came into the world, forever changing the lives of everyone around him. Born on December 21, 2011, in the heart of Texas, Will soon became the center of his family's universe. He was the joy of his parents' lives and later, the beloved big brother to his sister, Lauren.

From the start, it was clear that Will had a bright spirit, one that could light up even the darkest of days. However, he also faced challenges that many could only imagine. Will was born with a genetic condition that limited some of his abilities.

Yet, despite these obstacles, he never let them dim his radiant smile or his love for sports—especially hockey.

At first, the thought of playing sports felt like a far-off dream. Will used a wheelchair to get around, and he worried that it meant he couldn’t participate like other kids. But he was about to discover that dreams could take unexpected forms.

With determination and the support of his family, Will found his way to the baseball diamond, the bowling alley, and the ice rink. Each time, he embraced the thrill of competition, but it was the sled hockey team that captured his heart. The rush of gliding across the ice, the sound of the puck hitting the stick, and the camaraderie with teammates filled him with joy.

Will had big dreams. He would often tell his family, "One day, I’m going to be an NHL hockey goalie!" Every evening, he would curl up on the couch, eyes glued to the television, watching his favorite players skate and score.

He immersed himself in the world of hockey, even playing video games with his dad, where he led his virtual team to victory and celebrated winning the Stanley Cup—not once, but twice!

Then, one magical day, everything changed. One of his favorite hockey players came to town for an event, and Will's mom, with her unwavering support and resourcefulness, managed to arrange a meet-and-greet. Will could hardly contain his excitement as they arrived at the rink.

He watched in awe as the team practiced, the sound of skates slicing through ice echoing like music to his ears. When he finally met the player he admired so much, it felt surreal. The player smiled and signed a stick just for Will, who could hardly believe his luck. He met the entire team, each one sharing a word of encouragement. That day became one of the best moments of his life, a memory he would cherish forever.

Through all the ups and downs, Will's smile never faded. He had a unique ability to make friends wherever he went, exuding positivity that drew people to him. Whether in the stands cheering for his friends or on the ice with his teammates, Will’s spirit resonated with everyone who crossed his path.

Though life had thrown challenges his way, Will faced them with an unwavering smile and a heart full of hope. He taught those around him that obstacles could be overcome and that joy could be found in the simplest moments. Will Woleben, the boy with a dream, continued to inspire, proving that nothing could hold back a heart as strong as his.