Paying it Forward on Team G

One way or another, this day changed many lives.

On her facebook page, his mother wrote, “On that day our world forever changed and our 3-year-old son started the fight of his life. This day is always dark, difficult and emotional to remember. Yet, through his fight, even in the darkest moments, Gabriel always found a way to smile and let his brave and bright spirit shine through. We want to change what November 3 means for him, and change this dark day into one full of light and happiness. We ask you to join in our gratitude by performing acts of kindness in Gabriel’s honor on November 3rd!”

Gabriel received coverage locally and was having a great week. But his week was about to get better. With fortuitous timing, Make-a-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, fulfilled his wish — meeting and tossing the football with the New England Patriots’ Tom Brady — only a few days later, on Saturday, November 7.

The two made even more news when Gabriel passed along a note of thanks to “Mr. Brady” with $10 enclosed that he had received from someone else, explaining all about Gabriel’s Day of Kindness, asking Brady to pass it along to someone else or use it for a good deed.

“When we shared the cards with him, and told him that Gabriel wanted to give him his $10, the football great was so surprised, and visibly moved. His response was genuine and kind; he then smiled, leaned down and asked Gabriel to give him a hug. Indeed, no act of kindness — towards anyone, however large or small — is ever wasted,” his mother wrote.

Brady shared that he was going to tape the $10 in his locker for good luck until the end of the season, then donate it. “So the fact that Gabriel had the innocence and faith to show an act of kindness toward a football great, when others would not have, speaks volumes to his joyful and giving heart,” she added.