A terminally-ill Philadelphia Eagles fan, who had his dying wish to see the team play in person granted, has lost his battle with cancer.
Three-year-old Bryan Maenner passed away in his home, surrounded by family following an 18-month long fight with a rare blood cancer, the boy's father, Richard Maenner, told NBC10 on Wednesday.
Maenner underwent radiation, chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, but the treatment could not defeat the cancer.
So, the boy's family spent the past month doing whatever he wished, which included a chance to see the Eagles play at Lincoln Financial Field.
A wish that came true last Thursday during the Eagles home opener against the San Diego Chargers.
Bryan, his father Richard, twin brother Brandon scored seats on the 50-yard line thanks to the generocity of Gayle Jackson, the mother of Eagles wide reciever DeSean Jackson.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
The Maenners also wanted to give their son one last Christmas, so they pulled together presents, with the help of strangers. However, Bryan's health degraded quickly and so the family was unable to hold the early Christmas celebration.
Richard Maenner tells NBC10 the family is greving, but trying to take comfort knowing Bryan is no longer suffering.
Funeral arrangements are being set.
Contact Vince Lattanzio at 610.668.5532, vince.lattanzio@nbcuni.com or follow @VinceLattanzio on Twitter.
