Keep your tissue ready. Oakland Raiders offensive lineman, Menelik Watson donated his entire game check from Sunday’s game to the family of 4-year-old Ava Urerra of Las Vegas. Ava has a heart condition, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, that is like living with half a heart.
The Raiders offered young Ava, who has undergone 14 different procedures on her heart, the opportunity to “captain” the team, and gave her signed gear and toys throughout a visit with the team. Watson was so touched by Ava, he wanted help her family with expenses and donated $18,000.
“Sir, I would like to make sure Ava has the greatest holiday,” Watson told Ava’s father, “Here is my game check.”
This is Watson’s second year in the league.
