AMHERST, NY - UB cornerback Josh Thomas realized a dream when he was drafted by his hometown Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round. As he prepares to move on to the NFL, he's left an impact on the program, and on one Buffalo boy for whom he's served as a Big Brother.
Two years ago, Thomas volunteered with the Big Brother-Big Sister program of Western New York. He says that because he had to overcome a difficult childhood, he wanted help a young man who faced similar circumstances.
That boy is named Tiameus.
He's now a 13-year old from Buffalo for whom Josh has made a huge difference. The two have met at least two or three times per month for the past two years. Tiameus's mother says Josh's guidance and support have changed her child's life. She says he's far more outgoing, confident, and well behaved realizing what's possible in life if you stay focused and work hard.
Thomas says it's a relationship that will last a lifetime, and has promised to bring Tiameus to Texas and a Cowboys game assuming he makes the team.
The Big Brother-Big Sister program says there continues to be a huge demand for Big-Brother volunteers. The agency says that 400 boys are on a waiting list for Big Brothers in Erie County alone.
Click here for more information on the program.