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Georgia Bulldogs, head coach Kirby Smart surprise child with chronic illness

PIKE COUNTY, Ga. — Thanks to Make-A-Wish Georgia, a little boy in Pike County who deals with chronic seizures got a special surprise.

Channel 2′s Heather Catlin showed how Georgia head coach Kirby Smart made 11-year-old Elijah Meadows’ wish come true.

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Elijah has been dealing with chronic seizures since he was 6 years old, and his condition has brought a lot of struggles and heartache to the family. But he got a break from the thousands of hospital visits when the Georgia Bulldogs gave his entire family the red carpet treatment.

Elijah and his family visited the Bulldogs’ locker room and saw the national championship trophy in person.

He even got a chance to put on the savage pads and ham it up with University of Georgia Athletics. But the best part of it all was meeting head coach Kirby Smart.

“He said ‘Hey, do my jump,’ and I did my jump. Boom,” Elijah said as he mimicked Smart.

Elijah’s family said the visit not only meant a fun day — it offered a chance to forget about what Elijah faces every day.

“Epilepsy stinks, but I know God has walked with us and held our hand the whole entire time,” Emily Meadows, Elijah’s mother, said.

The players also showed Elijah some love by taking pictures and signing his jersey.

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“We love this boy and know he is a fighter, and he loves life. Thank you Make-a-Wish Georgia,” the signed jersey read.

Elijah was all smiles while talking about his visit with the Bulldogs.

“That’s the point,” Meadows said.

Elijah is dealing with a lot, but this one visit was more than a dream come true. It was a blessing that will continue to bring joy.

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