By Latisha Fields
Seventeen-year-old D’Angelo Robertson is a young man embarking on his junior year in high school. Robertson is a natural athlete who has been known to be a human highlight reel on the football field. He is also very passionate about basketball and recently made his high school team this season.
Robertson was being raised by his single mother who had very limited means, no transportation, or employment. He was blessed to have an older step sister that was providing care for him and helping his mother out with living expenses. In June of 2012, his beloved sister passed away after an intense bout with cancer. While devastating in and of itself, the absence of his sister drove Robertson and his mother further into a desperate situation. Having learned of the family’s trials, Blue Chip Athletics of Central Florida’s owners, Chris and Alicia Lawrence, began providing care for him and supplementing his household. Then Robertson was dealt the crushing blow of his mother’s death in July 2014. The Lawrences have been taking care of Robertson since the passing of his mother, providing him with the love and care he deserves.
Recently, (Chris) Lawrence reached out to the Orlando Magic to do something special for Robertson who has faced so much adversity at such a young age. The Magic knew he was the perfect candidate for the Magic Makers program. On October 30, Robertson attended the Magic vs Wizards game alongside Lawrence, their son, and two of Robertson’s friends, not having a clue that all of this was for him. Each reveled in the joy of watching his Magic experience unfold throughout the night.
Robertson and his friends were treated to a VIP experience that included meeting Magic Community Ambassador Bo Outlaw, sitting courtside pregame, enjoying the game from a suite and receiving a personalized Orlando Magic jersey. Robertson is known to be a pretty reserved guy but his excitement was visible, with a permanent smile that beamed the entire night.
Throughout the season, the Magic will be selecting Magic Makers to be honored at a handful of games. The selection will be based on a child who has had or is suffering from any medical condition, which may be considered life threatening, or suffering from the loss of an immediate family member. The child and their family will be treated to a VIP Magic experience.
Fans can recommend or nominate a deserving Magic Maker by visiting orlandomagic.com/community and clicking on “Magic Makers.”