For most families, taking a vacation in the middle of the year to an exciting destination such as Orlando, Florida, would be ideal. But for the 14 year old Pakistani native Mashaab Munas and his family, being in Central Florida for 21 days has been anything but vacation, as Mashaab’s sister fell terribly ill and has been hospitalized for nearly a month.
Last month, the Munas family organized a family vacation in which they intended on touring Central Florida’s major attractions and shops for the first time. However, their vacation time was cut short after Mashaab’s sister experienced a cardiac arrest upon arriving in Orlando. Mashaab’s sister was admitted to the hospital shortly after, and has been in a coma for 21 days.
“I received a call from Mashaab’s teacher - who happens to be my good friend - regarding Mashaab’s situation while in Orlando,” said Iron Lion Firm (ILF) member Chuck Tolman. “My friend explained to me that after Mashaab’s sister had been hospitalized, Mashaab had just been sitting around the hospital and hotel room for those couple of weeks with nothing to do. So, I decided to take him sightseeing so he could still experience Orlando, while also giving him a much needed break from the family crisis.”
Truly emulating ILF’s motto of support and brotherhood, Tolman dedicated himself to showing Mashaab around Orlando. Acting as an official tour guide, Tolman took the teen through International Drive, allowing him to witness the myriad of entertainment, dining experiences, and other exotic attractions.
The two also enjoyed a game of mini golf, while chatting about their hobbies and favorite sports. It was during this time that Tolman learned that the two shared a unique bond: soccer. After recognizing that Mashaab was also a soccer enthusiast, Tolman talked to the teen about Orlando City Soccer Club (Orlando City) and showed him video highlights of the team.
“Soccer was our common ground,” said Tolman. “I showed Mashaab Orlando City’s game day videos via YouTube and he got really excited about it. He told me that he would love to go to the game, so I decided to make it happen for him. I know that after he experiences an Orlando City game, Orlando City will definitely become his favorite team.”
Instantly, Tolman got to work making those promises come true for the teen. Tolman paid for Mashaab’s admission to Orlando City’s upcoming game against the Charleston Battery, as well the membership few associated with joining the ILF. Next, Tolman summoned help from Orlando City’s ILF supporters group, arranging Mashaab’s transportation to and from the game since Tolman will not be in town. ILF not only agreed to chaperone the teen, but also agreed in letting let him lead out in cheers.
“The ILF is like a brotherhood,” said ILF Director Rodrigo Guillen. “When Chuck reached out to me about Mashaab’s situation, we were happy to make arrangements with our ILF team to help give Mashaab the best game day experience possible. We wanted to reach out to him not only because we want him to enjoy Orlando, but also to show support for him and his family while they undergo this troublesome time in their lives. Furthermore, we want to continue to demonstrate to the world that Orlando – not just the ILF and Orlando City – is committed to helping out members in the community.”
