Blake Chandler’s parents, Blake Chandler, FAWA state chairman Bill Grant and his daughter Allison pose together at a public event in Florida prior to Blake’s departure to the Olympic Games. Photo by Joe DiCristofalo.

It will be a big day on Saturday, when 19-year-old Blake Chandler of Spring Hill, Fla. arrives in London, England.

A high school wrestler for Nature Coast Tech in Brooksville, Fla., Blake was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer, which led to the loss of a leg. Chandler has been courageously fighting his cancer, and has been an inspiration to those in his community.

Thanks to the Children’s Dream Fund, a non-profit organization in West Central Florida, as well as support from USA Wrestling, Blake Chandler has been granted a wish – to watch the wrestling competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Blake and his family have tickets see the Greco-Roman wrestling competition at the ExCel Center from August 5-7. Other plans for the trip include watching an Olympic wrestling team workout and going as guests of the Olympic family to the P&G Family House and the USA House.

According to its website, the Children’s Dream Fund was founded in 1981 “with the single purpose of fulfilling dreams for children ages 3-18 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, and who live in West Central Florida.”

Some of those in the community came together before Blake and his family left for London, and Blake told WFLA television that he felt honored to have this opportunity. When asked if he ever expected this, Blake said” “I did not. They told me they don’t ever go out of the country. It was a very big privilege for my wish to come true.”

Many friends, family and others from the community have been encouraging Blake with posts on his Facebook page.

Blake responded to their love and support with the following post on Facebook:

“I really appreciate everyone being there for me and supporting me. The feeling I have in my stomach is not  explainable. The response from everyone to the winning of my dream surprised me. Everyone is been very amazing to me. My wrestling team is amazing always supporting me in all my decisions that I have made. Everyone that has always been there for me thank you :)!”

USA Wrestling has helped with organizing many of the details of his trip. We will report on his journey during the London Games.

“Blake is the wrestler who lost his leg to cancer last year and USA Wrestling made his wish come true to travel and view the Greco-Roman event,” said Bill Grant, Florida state chairman and USA Wrestling Board member. “Thanks to everyone with USA Wrestling, especially Mitch Hull, for all of the hard work to make this kid's dream come true.”