Legally blind 11-year-old girl watches beloved Calgary Flames for first time with special electronic glasses
Calgary Flames fan Olivia Lettich will never forget what she saw in her first NHL game.
Olivia, 11, was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer in her right eye when she was 4 months old. The cancer was successfully removed, but she was left with peripheral vision.
“When I was born, I had cancer in my right eye. I had it in my left eye too, but it wasn’t as bad, so they had to take this one [right eye], otherwise it would’ve spread more,” the girl said.
Despite her limited vision, it does not stop Olivia from cheering on her favorite hockey team. And on Sunday, she was able to do more than just cheer.
With the help of electronic glasses made by eSight and a fan opportunity from the Flames, Olivia was able to see her team for the first time as Calgary took on the New York Islanders.
And she did more than just watch: She got to partake in pregame anthem activities, sit on the players’ bench and meet her favorite player, Johnny Gaudreau, in the locker room at the end of the game.
“It’s so cool how I get to see the players. It means a lot,” she said. “I wouldn’t think I would ever meet the Flames.”
The Flames torched the Islanders, 5-2, making the night even more special for Olivia.
“Thanks to the Flames I will never forget this day,” she said.
Twitter: @edmgonzalez
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