PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) -- Through the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has built a connection to a childhood cancer hero. On Wednesday, the foundation released a video documenting how Hurts made a 7-year-old boy's Christmas wish come true.
Wearing a Kobe Bryant Lower Merion High School jacket, Hurts paid a visit to a boy named Erick, who was living with his family — including four younger siblings — in a two-bedroom trailer in Nottingham, Pennsylvania. After spending some time with the children, Hurts surprised their mother, Amanda, with a $30,000 check to use for a new home.
"I'm really blessed to do this," 22-year-old Hurts said. "I'm so excited to meet this family. I reached out, and I've always wanted to work with Alex's Lemonade Stand."
Philadelphia Eagle Jalen Hurts, wearing Alex's Lemonade Stand cleats, warms up prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Dec. 6, 2020, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.Stacy Revere/Getty Images
As part of the My Cause My Cleats program, Hurts was representing Alex's Lemonade Stand when he threw his first NFL touchdown against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 6.
"Erick and his mom — I know they've experienced a lot of adversity and they've had to deal with a lot of different things, but one thing that I like to do is be encouraging at all times, uplift those around me, and I just wanted to make an impact in the city of Philadelphia," he said before he met the family to hear their story.
Erick gave the Eagle some drawings he had made, and Hurts asked the boy if he wanted to go outside and play catch with an official Eagles football.
In a one-on-one conversation, the video shows Hurts telling the boy that his teammates would like Erick a lot because they like people who are strong and courageous.
"I felt the least that I could do was do this for you," he said to Erick's mother, who was overwhelmed with emotion. "This is from me. I'm sending you nothing but love and blessings."
Hurts said the experience left an impression on him.
"I think what amazes me is how the kids don't even realize, maybe, what they're dealing with, the circumstances they're in, but they're just happy to be living," he said.
He was also impressed by a picture Erick gave him, which read "Go Jalen."
"He took take time out of his day to draw me a picture. I really appreciate that. I'm going to hang that up in my locker as soon as I get back."
