Charlie Druken’s dreams came true when he was selected to the drop the puck at the Boston Bruins’ Alumni game recently, reported The Telegram. It was a night the eight-year-old would never forget. The Alumni Tour team wanted to do something fun and exciting for someone who needed a little “pick me up”. Event organizers reached out about the opportunity on social media, and sure enough Cinda Druken, Charlie’s mom, entered her son for the chance to be selected– and sure enough, he was picked.
Although Charlie is young, he suffers from a disease called hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, also known as HHT. It’s a rare genetic condition that results in poor development of blood vessels all over the body, more specifically the skin, lungs, liver and even brain. Simply put by Cinda, the blood vessels grow where they aren’t supposed to grow, resulting in poor functionality. This then cause cause bleeding in the brain leading to other detrimental problems. Often, excessive nosebleeds are a symptom to identifying HHT. Unfortunately, there is no known cure. Learn more abut HHT here.
While Charlie has to live with the challenges of this disease day in and day out, a night with the Bruin’s proved to be unforgettable. Many of the alumni athletes were active before Charlie was even born, but he still knew who they were– they were his heroes. He was giddy over meeting Ray Bourque, and thrilled to meet a half a dozen other stars. Not only did he get to drop the puck, but he got to hang out with the Bruins post-game and got their autographs.
This wasn’t the first time he met Ray Bourque. A couple years ago he competed in a game that occurred in-between periods at the Paradise arena. Charlie had an impressive break-away and scored in front of the entire crowd, Bourque excitedly picked him up like Simba. It was an exciting time, and for Charlie to get to meet one of his idols once again is indeed special. No one deserved a night like this more than little Charlie Druken.
