The Power of a Wish: Reflections from my Speech at the Marty Lyons Foundation

Peter Bilzerian speaking at the Marty Lyons Fore the Kids Golf Tournament on April 7th, 2025 at Seatrails Golf Club in Sunset Beach, North Carolina

When I was 6 years old, I was diagnosed with cancer for the first time. Then again at 14.

Those experiences shifted my mindset permanently.

I still remember the day the doctors told me, the second time. I'm sitting on the parchment paper hospital exam bed with a faded tan coloring - I'm wearing khaki shorts and my shiny blue Air Jordans (which I still have to this day in showcase).

I distinctively remember my fear and emotions overwhelming me when the doctor came back with the results.

My tears dripped onto those shoes almost like rain.

I could hear the crinkle of the parchment every time I shifted on the table.

It catapulted me into believing that our time is limited and we should make the most out of every day we live.

And yes, that's the simple truth.

On April 7th, 2025, I had the honor of speaking at the Marty Lyons Foundation Golf Tournament in Sunset Beach, North Carolina to support their incredible mission: granting wishes to children ages 3 to 17 facing life-threatening illnesses.

Since 1982, the Marty Lyons Foundation has granted over 8,600 wishes - and changed just as many lives. What Marty Lyons started over 40 years ago has rippled into something far bigger than he probably ever imagined.

A few takeaways that I shared:

- Survivorship doesn't start when you're in remission - it begins when the dust settles, the world moves on, and you're left to pick up the pieces.

- Wishes are more than a wish, they help families and patients heal. It's the mindset over matter.

- Every childhood cancer survivor always remembers TWO moments: the day they were diagnosed and the wish they were granted.

The room's energy was incredible - I amped it up even further! Afterward, people shared their own stories with me, showing once again how universal the need for hope really is.

(And yes... these former NFL players were honored to get a photo with me. I let them have the moment.)

If you’re looking for a cause that truly changes lives, the Marty Lyons Foundation is it. Feel free to reach out if you want to get involved — because nobody fights alone.