Earlier this year, the Tribune profiled DeStefano and his never-ending journey to regain even small parts of his life and independence in the wake of his harrowing 2009 accident. The Bears took notice of his story and offered DeStefano a night he would cherish. As part of the team’s Community Connection program, the Bears invited Mike, his parents Debbie and Pete, and his older brother Nick to Soldier Field. The family had sideline access before the game and seats to watch the Bears open their 100th season under the lights at Soldier Field.