Poor Girl With Dangerous Brain Tumor Begs Doctor To Let Her Meet Her Idol Before Brain Tumor Removal Surgery — Auston Matthews’s Surprisingly Answer With a Gift for 9-Year-Old Girl Before Critical Surgery!

Toronto, ON – June 21, 2025

In a story that has captured hearts across the country, 9-year-old Mia Thompson of Hamilton, Ontario, made one simple wish before undergoing life-threatening brain surgery — to meet her hockey hero, Auston Matthews.

Mia, a bright and spirited child known for her love of hockey and unwavering courage, was diagnosed three months ago with a rare and aggressive brain tumor.

The surgery, scheduled for this weekend at Toronto General Hospital, carries significant risks. Doctors feared it may impact her motor skills and memory — or worse.

“I just want to see Auston Matthews,” Mia told her doctor with tear-filled eyes just days before surgery. “Even for a minute. He makes me feel brave.”

Moved by the little girl’s plea, the medical team reached out to the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, never expecting what would happen next.

To everyone’s amazement, Auston Matthews didn’t just respond — he showed up.

On Thursday afternoon, the NHL superstar walked into Mia’s hospital room holding a jersey with her name stitched across the back, a signed stick, and a small wrapped box.

“I heard you’re the toughest fighter in Ontario,” Matthews said with a warm smile as he knelt beside Mia’s bed. “I came to see what all the buzz was about.”

Mia’s eyes widened with disbelief. “You’re real! You’re really here!”

For over an hour, Matthews stayed with Mia, chatting about hockey, her favorite Maple Leafs moments, and even helping her tape a foam puck to practice her wrist shot from bed.

But the biggest surprise was yet to come.

As he handed Mia the box, Matthews said, “This is just for you. No matter what happens in that surgery room, you’re already a champion.”

Inside was a silver necklace engraved with her name and the number *34*, Matthews’s jersey number. But on the back was something even more touching: “Mia — Always Brave. Always Loved. – Auston”

Mia, holding back tears, clutched the necklace. “I’m not scared anymore,” she whispered.

The Maple Leafs forward later shared a heartfelt message on social media: *“Today I met a real hero. Mia, you’ve already won the biggest game. All of Leafs Nation is behind you.”

Mia’s surgery is scheduled for early Saturday morning. Her doctors remain cautiously optimistic, but say the emotional boost from Matthews’s visit has already made a profound impact on her condition.

As Mia put it best: “If Auston thinks I’m brave, I can do anything.”