Josiah Viera is a six-year-old boy who loves baseball more than anything in the world. His favorite team is the Philadelphia Phillies and his favorite player is Ryan Howard because he “hits the most home runs,” gushes Viera. Yesterday, E:60 on ESPN aired a video documenting the young boy’s visit to meet the Phillies this past summer. A moment he, nor the team, will ever forget.
Josiah was born with the rare genetic condition Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome, also known as early-aging syndrome. At only 27 inches tall and 15 pounds, his big personality makes up for his small figure. Because of his passion for baseball, Josiah’s mother let him play a game with his local little league team, however, he ended up in the hospital shortly thereafter. As a caring gesture, his team surprised him with a party and four tickets to a Phillies game for his birthday.
Joined by his mother and sister, Josiah visited Citizen’s Park in South Philadelphia where Howard greeted him before the game. Howard gave him a little jersey with the name Viera on the back, signed his ball and personally led him into the changing room to meet the rest of the team. The six-year-old walked confidently, slapping high fives and quickly stole the heart of every man in the room.
Watch the inspiring dream come true below.
Photo via Facebook.