Two legends make a special connection
Ben Stelter has captured the hearts of everyone in the hockey world. The five-year-old is currently battling glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. Due to his condition he hasn't been able to make it to many games this year. Fortunately for him the hockey world has rallied around the little warrior. Even the rival Calgary Flames are cheering on Ben.
But there is another person that Ben can share a special connection with. In 2019, we were captivated by the story of Laila Anderson. The then eleven-year-old St. Louis Blues super fan who was battling a rare immune disease called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Laila had to go through multiple treatments of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. But she managed to get healthy enough to join in the St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup celebration.
Like Ben, Laila was presented with her own Upper Deck hockey card. This week she mailed a signed copy of that card and a letter to Ben.
The two of them share a special bond that has united hockey fans. When two young people are going through something like this, it's great to see the hockey community come to their side. There is nothing stronger and more inspirational.
