Léonie Philber Lives Her Dream With The Impact
Published on March 1, 2010 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Montreal Impact News Release
MELGAÃO, Portugal - Thanks to the Children's Wish Foundation, 10-year-old Léonie Philber is living her dream, joining the Impact at its training camp in Portugal.
Léonie suffers from a cerebral tumour located on her optic nerve. Diagnosed at the end of April 2009, she underwent surgery on May 6. Despite her illness, Léonie is active, cheerful and displays a truly remarkable attitude.
It didn't take long for her to develop a relationship with the players and technical staff. Monday morning, Léonie took part in the team's training session.
"From the beginning, the doctors drew a parallel between her illness and soccer," explained Léonie's mother, Véronique Graton. "They told her she would have a very important soccer match to play. In fact, she sees this challenge as a tournament with many games, some more difficult than others. Léonie's very strong. She was walking the day after her operation."
"It's fun to talk to and practice with the players. They're very nice. I just don't run as fast because I don't have long legs like them. I really like watching the goalkeepers and I think my favourite player is Matt Jordan," explained Léonie after practice in Melgaço.
"Léonie says the players give her energy, but feels she can also give them some energy in her own special way," said her mother with pride. "And the players realize the impact they're having on her."
A special bond has quickly formed between Léonie and Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan.
"Matt isn't afraid to go to her," Véronique Graton explained. "He established a nice relationship with her and they've done a few activities together. The other night, Léonie didn't want to go to bed. Instead, she wanted to stay with Matt."
"After just a couple of minutes with her, I knew she was someone very special and very strong," mentioned Jordan. "She has a great attitude and that will certainly help her get through this. We want this trip to be as special as possible for her. I think it's important to be available because we can learn a lot from her. It's good for both sides."
"We're really impressed with the availability of the players and how open the Impact has been. Since our arrival, we've felt the human side of each and every one of them," noted her father Guy Philber.
Before this trip to Europe, Léonie got to know midfielder Patrick Leduc through the Regional Development Centre on the South Shore. Despite her illness, Léonie continues to play AA soccer in Sainte-Julie. She's even playing above her age level with the Under-12 team.
"Doctors Farmer and Freeman at the Montreal Children's Hospital told her that if she continues to play sports, such as soccer, she'll find it easier to overcome this challenge," explained her mother. "It was quite special when she got back on the field last July. Seeing people take action during difficult times is always what impresses me the most."
Léonie's illness is a challenge the Philber family is going through together. Sisters Zoé and Alice, as well as her brother Rémi, have also made the trip to Portugal.
"We all live things differently. I take things day by day, while Véro thinks more about what's to come. It's good for the two of us to be different," laughed Guy. "We share strengths and try to get through it together, while trying not to let it get to us too much. We also have to keep the other children in mind."
Before the entire family left Saint-Bruno for Portugal last Friday, Léonie was invited to the Children's Wish Foundation office to officially receive her plane tickets and itinerary.
"I would like to thank the Children's Wish Foundation for allowing our little girl to live this extraordinary experience," said Guy. "The foundation does everything so well, leaving nothing to chance. The way they communicate with the children is exceptional."
"My message to every sick child is to believe in their dreams because anything is possible with this foundation. Parents need simply to ask, because the Children's Wish Foundation will do everything possible to make those dreams come true," added Guy.
During Sunday's team dinner, Montreal Impact captain Nevio Pizzolitto presented Léonie with a package of team merchandise, autographed by all the players.
The Impact wishes Léonie all of the courage necessary to overcome this difficult challenge.
North American Soccer League Stories from March 1, 2010
- Palace Baltimore To Face Loyola In Pre-Season Fundraiser For Haiti - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- RailHawks Sign GK Platter - North Carolina FC
- Léonie Philber Lives Her Dream With The Impact - Montreal Impact
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