Massachusetts Teen Battling Leukemia Surprised by Patriots QB Drake Maye

For Fall River teen Wesley “Wes” Araujo, the past few months have been the fight of his life. The 15-year-old Diman Voke student has inspired the SouthCoast with his strength and determination while battling leukemia at Boston Children’s Hospital. From completing not one, but two marathon-length walks around the hospital floor during treatment, to receiving a Boston Marathon medal from a Diman staff member, Wes has become quite an inspiration.

Recently, something happened that gave him a much-needed boost, during a tough stretch in the hospital.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye paid a surprise visit to Boston Children’s Hospital, spending time with patients on the sixth floor, including Wes. According to Wes’ mother, Michelle Araujo, Maye and his wife Ann Michael Maye visited five children on the floor before meeting with other kids in the hospital’s resource room.

“Wes has had a few really bad days in a row,” Wes’ father Craig Araujo shared online. “This couldn’t have come at a better time.” The visit gave Wes “such an adrenaline rush,” according to his parents, especially after Maye followed him back on Instagram and even messaged him afterward.

A Huge Lift During a Difficult Week

The special visit comes just days after Wes underwent a major bone marrow transplant at Boston Children’s Hospital on May 14. The transplant marked a massive milestone in his cancer battle and an emotional one for the entire Araujo family. Wes’ sister Sydney played an enormous role in the process, donating bone marrow to help save her brother’s life.

READ MORE: Fall River Teen Battling Leukemia Receives Emotional Boston Marathon Gift

In a heartfelt post shared by the family, Michelle described the transplant day as “a day we will never forget.” She praised both of her children for their bravery and strength throughout the process, while also thanking the overwhelming support system surrounding their family.

“We wouldn’t be here without the outstanding medical team here at Boston Children’s, the prayers and support from family, friends, and the community,” Michelle wrote. “This is a hard battle and no one should fight alone.”

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Drake Maye’s Visit Meant More Than Football

According to Michelle, the Mayes were incredibly genuine and social during their visit with the children. Maye also donated money specifically to the sixth floor at Boston Children’s Hospital, something the families there will surely never forget.

Wes, despite feeling extremely sick and exhausted lately, immediately lit up when Maye walked into the room. At one point, Wes even recognized Ann Michael from social media and laughed, “I know you. You bake the cookies.” It was a brief moment of normalcy during an incredibly difficult chapter of his life.

More Than Just a Meet and Greet

For families going through battles like this, moments like these carry enormous weight. A hospital visit from a professional athlete may seem simple on the surface, but for kids fighting cancer, it can provide something medicine sometimes can’t: hope, excitement, and a reminder that brighter days still exist ahead.