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(Photo by Meghann Finn Sepulveda)

James Richardi, a patient at the City of Hope·Samaritan Bone Marrow Transplantation Program in Phoenix, recently received a surprise visit by members of his favorite professional sports team — the Arizona Cardinals.

The 22-year-old is a season-ticket holder, and possibly the team’s number-one fan, but he has attended only two games this season due to his disease and the treatment process. Hearing this, Cardinals All-Pro kicker Neil Rackers recently visited the program, bringing along a team jersey and autograph and inviting Richardi to be his special guest when he can come off the sidelines and join the team on the field.