It's always nice to read about your favorite sports stars doing good in their community...and this week Julian Edelman was doing that in spades.

The Patriots wide receiver showed his support for a longtime New England fan this week when he sent Marlene Allen of Coventry an autographed football with an inspirational message.

Allen is battling breast cancer for the second time and as she was going through her treatment this time around, her husband shared photos and updates on Twitter that tagged not only the team, but Edelman specifically.

And Edelman noticed.

Julian reached out to the Allens and asked if it would be okay to send them a little something. Of course they said yes and recently an autographed football arrived at their Coventry home.

edelman autographed football
ABC6 News
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And along with that autograph was the message

tough times don't last, tough people do

Allen tells ABC6 the message has extra special meaning during her tough battle with breast cancer and that the football will be an excellent reminder as she continues her battle.

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