While many are mourning the loss of their team in Game 7 of the National Championship Series, two Bucks County Phillies fans are beyond grateful, writes Alex Coffey for The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

Michael Schaeffer’s 12-year-old stepson Maverick Bower has suffered over 200 seizures since April, but they found comfort in the warm glow of Red October. Maverick’s seizures usually come at night which makes it hard for him to fall asleep.  

On top of that, the 12-year-old is unable to have sleepovers or participate in overnight school activities, as he requires ten hours of sleep with his parents closely monitoring. After trying everything, the family found that turning on a Phillies game is what lulled Maverick to sleep.  

Michael and Maverick would excitedly watch the Phillies game every night. In the morning, Maverick was eager to know of the scores.  

For 162 games and a playoff run, Micheal and Maverick found solace in the team.  

Schaeffer tells The Philadelphia Inquirer that while he was upset at the loss, he wasn’t mad. Instead, his family was more grateful.  

“I’m going to absolutely look back and enjoy the heck out of the connection this team provided us,” he said.  

Read more about how the team guided the Bucks County Phillies fans and father-son duo through a difficult time in The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

Phillies fans react to Game 7 loss