Brooks Laich Grants a Wish
Photos by Philip Van der Vossen
Brooks Laich may not be able to contribute on the ice for the Capitals right now, but he’s making a difference off the ice. Last night Brooks hosted Emily (17), a local Make-A-Wish child, during Fan Appreciation Day at Verizon Center. Emily’s wish to meet Laich, her favorite hockey player, came true through Make-A-Wish® Mid-Atlantic.
A Keymar, Md., native, Emily suffers from Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. Due to complications, Emily has had most of her colon removed and has had additional coronary, venous and arterial infections and clots.
Emily and her family attended last evening’s game and received VIP treatment. She sat in Ovi’s Crazy 8s section, watched warm-ups from the penalty box, rode the Olympia ice resurfacer, received a tour of the press box, and then met the man; Brooks Laich. She was then whisked through a whirlwind of television, radio, and internet interviews before settling in next to Brooks to watch the 3rd period comeback.
After the game Emily participated in the “Jerseys Off Our Backs” ceremony, where much to no-ones surprise, she was holding Brooks’ #21 in her envelope.
Very humbled to meet and spend time with Emily Motter and her family as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation tonite!! pic.twitter.com/NUswnqoXMV
— Brooks Laich (@brookslaich) April 28, 2013
Our camera captured a few of Emily’s special moments, which we present in a small gallery below. Emily, if you’d like additional photographs, please let us know and we’d be happy to send over everything we have.