Dawg Blawg: Braylon Lights Up Field, Young Boy's Eyes
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by CLEBlogger
Denzel Douglas was a sophomore at Lakewood High School, a suburb near Cleveland. He was just your average; run of the mill Cleveland kid, a huge Browns fan. He was a standout athlete at Lakewood High, playing football and basketball. All was well until Denzel found out he had a heart defect. He could no longer play the sports he loved. And he was told he would need a heart transplant.
Eighteen months ago Denzel received that heart transplant. His body did not react well to it. But Denzel never gave up, he kept telling his mother Tara Douglas, that’d he’d play football again. His number one goal after the transplant was that kids with transplants could play sports.
Last week, Denzel’s health took a turn for the worst, and he was put back in the hospital. His favorite player was Braylon Edwards. So, last week, with the Browns on there bye week at 3-3, Tara Douglas gave a ring to The Cleveland Browns. She told the Browns all about Denzel and his condition. As soon as Braylon was told this heart-warming story, he went over to the hospital, to meet a boy he didn’t even know. Braylon knew Denzel was in pain, but not that much pain. He walked in to the hospital room, and saw a boy with a gleam in his eyes, and tubes connected all over. Braylon spent the day in that hospital room with Denzel. He autographed a ball and jersey, and promised Denzel he’d dedicate the Browns game to him on Sunday.
Sadly, on Friday Denzel’s body rejected that heart transplant, and moved on to a better place. On game day, Braylon walked out on to the field with his head high, knowing he had an angel looking down on him. Braylon made an angel happy on Sunday, as he had eight catches, 2 touchdowns, and 117 yards of receiving. Denzel’s mother was watching from her home back in Cleveland, and Edward’s performance put a smile on her face.
Denzel will be buried in his autographed Braylon Edwards jersey, with the ball beside him.
