This past weekend, Flyers’ right-winger Jake Voracek (as well as the whole Flyers’ organization) did an amazing, heartfelt thing for an 11-year-old boy from the Make-A-Wish foundation. 11-year-old Tony Campisi, who’s battling brain cancer and is from Mechancsburg, PA, only asked to travel to Philadelphia and attend yesterday’s Flyers-Predators game, which he did in a first-row seat, but he was given so much more. Voracek allowed the youngster to personally travel to the game with him, and invited him to go to Chickie’s and Pete’s with him the night before, too.
In addition to that, on Saturday morning, Campisi was given his own personalized locker in the team’s locker room, which was positioned next to Voracek’s. After the team dressed, the team let him practice with them, too. When he scored on backup Rob Zepp (who got the start in net), the team cheered for him in celebration and tapped their sticks, to make him feel as if he were a part of the team. After taking in the game, he was allowed to return to the locker room afterwards, to hang out with Voracek again. He even got his photo taken, too, with Voracek, fellow winger Wayne Simmonds, and defenseman Mark Streit.
During that very-same practice, Flyers’ general manager Ron Hextall also signed Campisi to a one-day contract with the team, which surely put a smile on his face. It is gestures like these by professional athletes that go above and beyond the expectations that help sick kids, who idolize them their whole lives, make a recovery and put a smile on their faces. It makes a huge difference in their lives from then forward, and hopefully helps their fight with cancer (or whatever other sickness it may be), seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, because their one wish came true- when nothing else in their life seemed to be going right.
The fact that Voracek went above and beyond the request, took him under his wing, let him hang out with him on numerous occasions, and made him feel as though as he was a member of the team and one of his friends, is an incredible yet special thing. It’s a testament to Voracek’s personality, generosity, and position as a role model in the league. My hat goes off to him and the rest of the Flyers’ organization, for being such a class act and for a great story. We pray for Tony in his ongoing fight with cancer, and hope for a full recovery.
Tags: Hockey, jake voracek, NHL, Philadelphia Flyers
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