Inspirational Blues fan wants to share joy with other kids in need

ST. LOUIS – You've heard the idea of paying it forward – doing something selfless to benefit someone else? That's what Laila Anderson wants to do; she's wishing it forward.

“My wish was to take some friends,” she said. “People from the hospital that are going through challenging battles similar to mine and have them experience a Blues game like once in a lifetime.”

Anderson was the inspirational Blues fan who supported the team to their 2019 Stanley Cup. She was diagnosed in 2018 with HLH, a rare auto immune disease.

“Growing up a big Blues fan and being able to join my favorite team on their biggest moment in their history was insane,” Anderson said. “Being in the hospital, they just really pulled me back together and helped me push through. And I think if I can just gift a small piece of that to someone else in the same situation, then I’ve done my part.”

As the Blues gave her hope, she begat that in return to the team. Wanting to wish it forward to share her hope and joy, Laila's wish to take five other friends from St. Louis Children's Hospital to the St. Louis Blues game on Nov. 19.

“Wishes are transformational,” Caroline Schmidt, President & CEO Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri and Kansas said. “They don’t just impact the child. Anyone touched by a wish is forever changed. It gives them hope, strings of joy, when they’re all battling critical illness. For just a moment or time, their families or people around them can forget about that, and just be a child. And to move through a moment or time with hope or strength. A wish gives them something to look forward to.”

“It just shows you what kind of person she is; what she’s been through,” Reed Low, St. Louis Blues alumni, said. “Obviously, the amazing run with the St. Louis Blues and Paraynko and Steen and those guys. Got a ring and all these different things she’s been in. To be able to take her wish and pass it along to other kids that are in need, knowing that they’re so short on wishes, is something real special.”

As Laila can attest, one never knows the obstacles that might be faced in life.

But having support and hope can help in the journey.

Nonprofit Be the Match said Laila’s story has inspired thousands to join the bone marrow registry.

“Now that I’m healthy and able to do stuff like this, I’m just so grateful that this is all coming true,” Anderson said.