Tom Brady gave an 8-year-old girl battling with cancer the best Christmas gift: his presence.
On Christmas day, Hailey Steward from Bethel, Maine received a video message from the New England Patriots quarterback. In the clip, Tom Brady invited her to visit him on Saturday, Dec. 26 at the Patriot Place in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Hailey did not only get to see her idol, she and her parents were also given the chance to tour the place, which includes a nearby shopping center, the Patriots' Hall of Fame and the Gillette Stadium.
Hailey and her family waited at the stadium's media room to meet Tom. After a walkthrough practice, Tom entered the room, hugged the child and took pictures with her.
Hailey was all dressed up on that day, with a blue Brady jersey and a Patriots winter hat.
On Facebook, Hailey's parents posted photos of the meet-up in "Hailey's Journey Our Journey" page. Lots of social media users expressed their support and well wishes both to Hailey and Tom.
For Hailey's dad, John Steward, Tom's recognition of her daughter's strength and determination is really awesome. He then thanked all the people who helped make Hailey's wish come true. He goes on praising Tom for reaching out to their family just so he can meet them.
Hailey was first diagnosed with B-cell leukemia in October 2012 and was on her way to recovery. In October of this year, she went back to the hospital and was diagnosed once again with the same type of cancer. She has stayed in Barbara Bush Children's Hospital almost every day since then.
Hailey is a huge Patriots fan. Her room is designed with memorabilia of the team, with a door sign that reads, "Do not come in unless you're Tom Brady." She only started watching the team when she was first diagnosed with the disease. She and her mom watched the games to take her mind off of the discomfort of anti-cancer treatments.
