Advertisement

Arts & Entertainment

George Strait sends tender video message to terminally ill 10-year-old Texas superfan

It's a good idea to grab tissues before hitting play on a video George Strait recently recorded for one of his biggest little fans.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the country music legend sent well-wishes and love this week to Bella, a 10-year-old from Midland, who was reportedly given two weeks left to live.

Advertisement

According to an Oct. 5 Facebook video posted by Damon Cole, a Fort Worth police officer behind the organization Heroes & Cops Against Childhood Cancer, Bella has undergone numerous surgeries in her lifetime due to a host of health problems.

News Roundups

Catch up on the day's news you need to know.

Or with:

"First thing Bella asks for when she comes through from anesthesia is George Strait," Cole says in the video. "That's the impact that man has had on her."

Advertisement

In his video message, Strait says he hopes she feels better soon and that he's praying for her.

"I just want you to know that I'm thinking about you, and thank you for listening to me and liking my music," Strait says, as a wide smile grows across his face. "It makes me very happy."

"Anyway, darlin' I hope you get better real soon and, remember, I love you," Strait says.

Strait has been a longtime supporter of children's charities through the Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation, which he and his wife Norma founded in 1986 following the death of their 13 year-old daughter.

Advertisement

Cole coordinated the video message by reaching out for contacts over social media; he spearheaded a GoFundMe campaign for Bella's family to travel comfortably to Disneyland.

According to his Facebook page, Cole says as a police officer, he often finds himself dealing with children who are scared. He had a Superman logo sewn into his bulletproof vest, so that he could share his "secret" with them.

"Every child should know that a police officer is always there to help them through anything," he writes. "The best way to get that message across is to build up a trusting relationship with them." 

In 2012, when he was working for Dallas Police Department, Cole began dressing up as a variety of superheroes and visiting children in hospitals, he writes, and he hopes to visit children in all 50 states.

You can help support his mission by purchasing a t-shirt through this fundraiser or through Cole's Heroes & Cops Against Childhood Cancer GoFundMe account.

Advertisement

H/t: Fort Worth Star-Telegram