Staten Island Boy Gets Surprise From Super Bowl-Bound Broncos

Seth Patsakos has lived with a rare genetic blood disorder called hemophilia

Life couldn't get better for sixth-grader Seth Patsakos when his favorite team, the Denver Broncos, won the AFC Championship.

Then a package arrived on the doorstep of his Staten Island home.

"When I opened it and turned it over, I saw all the signatures from the Broncos," said Seth. "I was so excited, I was speechless."

The Broncos signed the ball after winning the AFC Championship and sent the ball to Seth when a player's family member learned he's been living with hemophilia, a rare genetic blood disorder that prevents the blood from clotting.

Two of his brothers were also diagnosed with hemophilia at birth.

"They know they have this and get depressed about it because sometimes they miss a week or two of school because they can't walk," said Seth's mother, Christine Patsakos.

The football is a small sign that Seth's favorite team is behind him. His personal mantra is "I have hemophilia, hemophilia doesn't have me," and that's why he chooses to remain active. His bedroom is filled with basketball and football trophies, but the autographed football may now be his most favorite prize.

"He's recognized and he sees there are other kids like him who are going to see this and they, too, will feel like they're special," his mother added.

Seth believes the football is the lucky charm that will bring the Vince Lombardi Trophy home for the Broncos, and on Super Bowl Sunday, it will be sitting right between Seth and his dad, another Broncos fan.

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