Sports

Mayor Walsh sends heartfelt letter to 11-year-old Blues fan fighting disease

St. Louis Blues fan Laila Anderson, left, watches Colton Parayko lift the Stanley Cup while the team celebrated on the ice after the Blues defeated the Boston Bruins in Game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final, Wednesday, June 12, 2019, in Boston. 

In a heartfelt move, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh extended a hand of sportsmanship to an adorable young St. Louis Blues superfan.

He sent 11-year-old Laila Anderson a personalized letter of congratulations after the Blues defeated the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Final.

Laila has been fighting a rare, life-threatening immune disease. After Walsh saw a story about her during pregame coverage of Game 3, he wanted to let her know just how excited he was for her win.

"After watching the segment, I turned to my partner, Lorrie, and said, 'This stinks! I love the Bruins and I want them to win!... But I really want Laila to win, too!'" Walsh wrote in the letter.

Laila has become quite popular with Blues and Bruins fans alike. And a moment the Blues shared on Twitter of Laila's mom telling her daughter that she’s been cleared to travel to Boston for Game 7 was a win for everyone.

In his letter, Walsh shares with Laila that he also had a serious illness when he was a boy, and her courage is an inspiration to everyone.

"I certainly can't promise you a cooler experience than standing on the Garden ice kissing the Stanley Cup, but Boston's a great city and would love to have you back," Walsh wrote.