A 78-year-old Philadelphia Flyers Fan in hospice care for end-stage heart failure was in danger of breaking his decades-long tradition of attending the team’s 2021 home opener. But when his Trevose family lobbied on his behalf, he got the royal treatment, reported Trish Hartman of 6ABC. 

Russell Thompson, 78, decked in orange and black, watched from a suite with an attending nurse and his two-year-old grandson. Thompson’s tradition was to take each of his 13 grandchildren to a Flyers home opener, and he didn’t want to miss this opportunity, likely his last.  

When the Wells Fargo announced that limited fan attendance was possible, Thompson’s daughter and wife made a fast break to ask if it was possible for him to attend. The response? The organizations involved said yes. Thompson’s church helped cover the cost. An ambulance carried Thompson and his medical equipment. 

“There’s nothing like being there with the fans. The hollering,” said Thompson. 

The cheering may not have helped the team (they lost 3-1), but it certainly lifted the spirits of a devoted fan. 

The story of these multigenerational Flyers fans is at 6ABC, here.