When Hazelwood Central High School near St. Louis celebrated its graduation earlier this month, Shaun Patterson was unable to attend. The teenager has lived with a congenital heart disease, and received a transplant earlier this spring which forced him to spend his graduation at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis instead of with his classmates. The day was still a memorable one for him, however.
The staff at Cardinal Glennon’s and his high school decided to organize a ceremony just for Shaun — just ten days after his successful surgery, and on his ninety-first overall day in the hospital. Wearing his cap and gown, he received his diploma in the hospital; he also received a special message of encouragement from none other than New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
“I just want to let you know that you’re an amazing guy and I’m really proud of you and all the things you’ve accomplished thus far,” Brady told the young Patriots fan. “I also you hear you love sports you love the Patriots, and I think what may be the best idea is you analyze a few plays for me and see what you can do. Pull up some of your favorite clips and then send them to me so I can do a little evaluation.”
“Hang tough. Take care. We’re thinking of you. We’re proud of you. Congrats on your graduation and keep kicking butt,” the six-time Super Bowl champion said in a short video that was played at Shaun’s graduation. Needless to say, the graduate was quite surprised at the message as he told KSDK News in an interview shortly after his graduation: “It was very surprising... very surprising. I was at a loss of words.”
The next step on Shaun’s journey? Lindenwood University, where he will take online classes during his recovery and work towards becoming a sports analyst — maybe analyzing Tom Brady one day.
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