Some people love the New York Yankees. Some hate them.
This story will make even the most rabid Boston Red Sox fan say: “Go Yanks!”
Last Friday, Sara Deren — founder and CEO of Experience Camps, the Westport-based program for youngsters who have lost parents or siblings — got an email from a Fairfield mom.
Her son Declan has spent 4 years at Experience Camps. She wanted to know if anyone, anywhere could give Declan a chance to go to the World Series.
The mom wrote:
Declan and his dad Matt never missed a Yankee game. The Yankees were a humungous part of Declan’s life with Matt. They watched all the games and did everything Yankee together.
When Matt’s life was tragically cut short, Declan found life unbearable. At 9 years old, his grief was so deep it was as if his heart was ripped out of his chest.
The Yankees’ making it to the World Series has been unexpectedly healing for Declan. I can’t quite explain it. I never realized the tremendous role the Yankees play in Declan’s grief.
Sara contacted some people at the Yankees. She met them in June, when the Yankees honored Experience Camps.
The next day, Declan and his older brother had tickets to Game 4.
Sara went to Declan’s house on Sunday. Pretending to interview him for social about his dad and the Yankees, she surprised him by telling him he was going to the World Series. (Click here for the video.)
Declan discusses his dad, for social media.
On Tuesday, the 14-year-old was at Yankee Stadium. He wore a photo of his dad around his neck — and a smile as wide as the outfield fence (even before the team won).
Declan, with his dad …
What could be better?
Well, he caught a ball during batting practice!
Declan, with his batting practice ball.
What a great story. Love it.
I saw this on excamps social yesterday and my heart soared. What a special treat for Declan and his brother… especially with the way the game turned out last night!
It was wonderful to see the Yankees honor experience camps earlier this summer during their Hope Week. Sara and Jon do amazing work and deserve all the kudos and more ♥️
Let’s go Yankees!!!
Fantastic story
how absolutely wonderful!
Dan, in the galaxy of amazing stories you put out, this was one of my favorites!
Sweet. Even a Red Sox diehard would give the kid a pass on this.
Ahh that is so great! Thanks for sharing such a moving and heart warming story.
Just fabulous!
Good for Declan…even gooder for Sara and the Yankees
What a wonderful story!