April 29, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL) Utica Comets At first glance, Anna looks like your average 8th grader. A 14-year old from New Hartford, New York, Anna is a competitive member of the Notre Dame softball team and dedicated student. What Anna has experienced in the last few weeks, however, is far from average.

Last summer, Anna's family brought her to the doctor after she complained of nausea. After receiving a head injury during basketball practice in December of 2013, Anna's parents brought her to the emergency room. As her symptoms seemed to improve, she did not get a CT scan and went on with her life. In March, her vision seemed to decline, and headaches became more prominent. Anna went to an eye specialist who spotted some fluid in her optic disk; she headed in for a stat MRI.

That's when Anna and her family received some devastating news. On Friday, March 14th, the doctors told Anna that she had a brain tumor and needed emergency surgery.

About two weeks after a successful surgery that removed the entirety of Anna's brain tumor, she and her family received a wonderful visit. Comets players Frank Corrado, Brandon DeFazio, Patrick Kennedy, Darren Archibald, Cal O'Reilly, Kellan Lain and Ray Kaunisto surprised Anna at her house while she recovered from the surgery. An avid Comets fan, Anna was shocked and elated to see some of her idols on the ice sitting on her sofa, chatting with her about her experience and her daily life. Most people cannot even imagine what Anna went through, especially as a 14-year old, and the Comets players did not hesitate to make her recovery that much more special.

While Anna still has a lot of recovery time ahead of her, her spirits are high and her prognosis is promising. While she still needs therapy three times a week and has some trouble balancing, she was all smiles as she met her favorite Comets player, Frank Corrado.

"I felt like I was dreaming and I had to look twice," Anna exclaimed. "I couldn't believe the Utica Comets were at my front door! Not only are they my favorite hockey players but the nicest guys and I cant tell them how much everything has meant to me."

"It was great to visit Anna," Corrado explained. "She is stronger and braver than I can ever imagine."

Moved by his visit with her, Corrado made it a point to make sure Anna felt special. At the Comets game on April 18th, he presented her with a game used autograph stick after the game, which brought tears to Anna's eyes. The emotion in the room was tangible, and everyone around Anna could feel her appreciation and Corrado's thoughtfulness.

With summer on the horizon, it is important not to forget the impact that the Comets players had both on and off of the ice. They were able to brighten Anna's day, as well as the days and lives of many others in the Utica area, during the crucial last games of the season. It is undeniable that next season, we will experience more Comets in our community helping out those who need it.

And, with Anna present at the last two games of the season (both wins), she has become a good luck charm for the Comets. When asked if we will see her at games next fall, a smile broke out across her and her family's faces as she said, "Of course."

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Comets' Final Visit Was Special