Young Boy with Heart Condition Gets Christmas Wish Granted, Meets Cam Newton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton played Santa Claus on Tuesday for one young fan.

Per Sports Illustrated, 10-year-old Austin Deckard, a huge Auburn Tigers fan with a severe heart condition called pulmonary hypertension, wanted to meet the reigning NFL MVP.

He got his wish.

When Newton walked into the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston hospital room, the young fella was in awe and smiled at his family. Then he and the star quarterback shared a lengthy, powerful embrace.

Courtney Cooper, Austin’s teacher, posted a Facebook message Dec. 20 about his situation and his desire to meet Newton:

It gained over 3,000 shares and clearly caught the attention of someone close to Newton. She also shared some of Austin's story with WRBL News 3:

According to Larry Gierer of the Charlotte Observer, Austin will have a procedure Wednesday.

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