Tate Williams is a resilient and loving 10-year-old who has been raised on University of Tennessee sports. He lives just three miles from the campus where his older brother is a sophomore.
But young Tate lives with Syringomyelia, Intracranial Hypertension, and Tethered Cord Syndrome creating issues with his spine and brain, leaving him at continued risk of emergency surgeries. Since May 2020, Tate has had four brain surgeries and a spinal cord surgery and is scheduled to have another surgery next month, according to a press statement from Dream On 3.
While his illnesses have significantly impacted his daily life, he doesn’t let that stop him. Tate battles through pain and fatigue to continue to do the activities he loves, like cheering for his beloved Vols. He was selected as a Dream Recipient by the University of Tennessee Collegiate Dream Team (CDT) in 2021.
This program is linked to national non-profit Dream On 3 and makes sports dreams a reality for kids and young adults with life-altering conditions. The CDT team members have been working for several months to fundraise, plan and create awareness in the community, all in support of Tate Williams.
The VIP Dream Experience included time at the fifth-ranked Vols football practice today (11/10/22) where he spent time with the players and coaches. Tate will also enjoy time on the sidelines during the UT vs. Mizzou matchup on Saturday.