HERRIN, Ill. (WSIL) — A young boy named Charlie Patrick received a heartwarming reunion with some familiar faces of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Ryan Patrick
In 2014, Charlie underwent a life-saving surgery for a rare brain disorder, Rasmussen’s encephalitis.
“The only way that could be treated was through a surgery called a hemispherectomy which disconnects the two hemispheres of the brain,” said Charlie’s father, Ryan Patrick. “That surgery left lifelong… there are lifelong results of that surgery,” Patrick said.
During his recovery, Charlie received a visit from St. Louis Cardinals players Jon Jay and Daniel Descalso.
“It’s really wild to see these players that you know and love suddenly walking into your son’s hospital room and being there for you,” said Patrick.
Ryan Patrick
11 years later, Charlie celebrates 11 years of being seizure-free. Jay and Descalso have returned to the Cardinals as coaches. Patrick said it was the perfect time for a reunion.
“There’s no better way to celebrate Charlie’s recovery and Charlie’s success than to do it at the Cardinals game with the two guys who were a big part of that moment in time,” said Patrick.
Ryan Patrick
Patrick reached out to Jon Jay on social media, who coordinated the reunion. The surprises continued as Charlie also met Cardinals catcher Yohel Pozo and manager Oli Marmol. After asking Charlie who his favorite player was, Jay returned and took them to meet Alec Burleson, whose number 41 Charlie proudly wears on a necklace.
“It made me flash back to that time in the hospital of these players giving their time,” said Patrick. “I got to see my son smile bigger than I’ve ever got to see him smile.”
The Cardinals clinched a win over the Cubs. Patrick says it made the perfect ending to what Charlie called “the best day” of his life.
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