Peyton Manning probably had plenty of work to do ahead of the Denver Broncos’ season opener, but that didn’t stop him from doing something incredibly kind for a down-on-her-luck fan.
The Indianapolis Star has the story of an Indiana native who grew up rooting for the Colts and eventually became a fan of Manning when he was in Indy. Her name is Kari Boliig, and she has stage 4 breast cancer that’s spread throughout her body and into her lungs. It’s killing her.
“There’s not a whole lot, they can slow it down, but there’s not a whole lot they can do,” she told the Indianapolis Star.
As she continues her battle, Boliig has been writing letters. Mostly, the letters go to people who have inspired her over the years, and Manning is on that list. So she wrote to Manning, just to express her admiration for all he’s done over the years, not only on the field but off, too.
The letter eventually got to Manning, and he read it. Not long after, he reached out with an opportunity of a lifetime for Boliig and her family. Manning and the Broncos had Boliig come out to Denver for the season opener Sunday versus the Baltimore Ravens. They were given all-access passes and had the opportunity to meet Manning.
“He walked right over after he got his picture taken,” Boliig told the paper. “It was so sweet because he shakes my hand and says, ‘I’m Peyton Manning.’ It was cute. It was kind of like, ‘I know who you are, Peyton.’ ”
Manning also met with her Saturday, as Boliig and her family received a tour of the Broncos’ facility. What he said to her Saturday might be the best part of the entire story.
“Keep fighting, Kari,” he said, according to the Star. “I’ll be praying for you.”
The entire story is terrific and can be read in its entirety at IndyStar.com.
Thumbnail photo via Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports Images
