Little Hailey Steward wanted nothing more for Christmas than to meet Tom Brady. She was not only a good girl this year, but a brave an exceptional 8-year-old because she has been battling cancer. Tom Brady played the part of Santa Claus and made her dreams come true on Saturday.
On Christmas Eve, the New England Patriots quarterback invited Hailey, who is fighting leukemia for the second time, to Gillette Stadium in a video on Facebook:
“Hi, Hailey. Merry Christmas, it’s Tom Brady. I heard you had a special Christmas wish that you wanted this year, and I’ve got one, too. I was hoping you’d be willing to come down here this Saturday before we leave for New York, and I get a chance to meet you.”
Hailey, who is currently spending a lot of time at a hospital in Portland, Maine was happy to accept Brady’s invitation.
On Saturday, Hailey not only met the legendary quarterback, but also got a hug and a kiss. She got a tour of the stadium and was given passes to the Patriots’ Hall of Fame.
On Sunday, Hailey returned back home to Bethel, Maine still sky-high from her meet-and-greet, and was ready to “watch Tom Brady and the Patriots kick some Jets’ butts.”
Hailey’s father, John Steward, expressed his gratitude.
Sadly, this is Hailey’s second battle with leukemia. Nearly a year ago, Hailey’s cancer was in remission after she battle the disease for two years. But the leukemia has returned. If you’d like to help the family with the financial burden of cancer treatment you can donate to her cause on her GoFundMe page.
[ESPN]