Laila, an 11-year-old with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a severe systemic inflammatory syndrome that can be fatal, has been an amateur television journalist and inspirational figure for the Blues at their past six home Stanley Cup Playoff games, beginning when her mom, Heather, surprised her with tickets to Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the San Jose Sharks.
Laila had hardly been able to leave the house before attending her first playoff game, only going to her hospital for treatments. When Heather asked Laila where in the world she'd want to watch the season's final game, Laila quickly answered, "Boston."
"What if I told you the Blues called," Heather said, "and they want you at the game?"
"How?" Laila responded.
"Doctors said it was OK," Heather said, as Laila began sobbing.
Laila witnessed the Blues win their first conference championship since 1970 with a 5-1 win in Game 6 of the Western Conference Final, and will hope to watch St. Louis win the Cup for the first time in its 51-season history.
