Blues superfan Laila Anderson attends game with bone marrow donor
Laila Anderson was easily the most endearing part of the St. Louis Blues’ championship run last summer, and she provided another heartwarming moment during Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Anderson, an 11-year-old Blues superfan, is battling a rare autoimmune disease called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and her determination to beat the illness inspired the team last summer. She quickly became a de facto member of the team, taking the ice with the Blues upon winning the Stanley Cup against the Boston Bruins in Game 7, and later receiving a customary championship ring.
Through the Be The Match bone marrow donation program, Anderson received a bone marrow transfer from Kenton Felmlee. Anderson met Felmlee on Thursday night for the first time at a Be The Match event, and the new friends attended Saturday’s game together.
Just look how happy Laila is!
The best save you'll see tonight. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/IMaz3wbEil
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) December 8, 2019
Prior to Saturday’s game, Laila teed up Hockey Night in Canada, by providing her account of the Blues’ run to the Cup final, while battling against HLH. Anderson pointed out seeing the joy on the players faces - notably Alexander Steen - was one of the best parts of the experience.
Laila Anderson and the @StLouisBlues have always had a special bond. 💙
Tonight, the Blues superfan opens #HockeyNight in Canada with a message of hope: pic.twitter.com/PVh93xmLud— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 8, 2019
It doesn’t matter what your allegiance is, whether it’s to the Leafs, Blues or otherwise, we’re all fans of Laila Anderson, one of hockey’s best stories.
More NHL coverage from Yahoo Sports
