Menelik Watson - The Oakland Raiders offensive tackle has donated his game check for the week after Sunday's match against the Buffalo Bills to the family of a 4-year-old girl who has a heart condition.
According to reports, Menelik Watson, who celebrates his birthday today, Dec. 22nd, gave a check worth around $18,000 to little Ava Urrea's father after the game in what has been described as the most heartfelt moment of the season.
ProFootballTalk reports that Watson, who was brought up in Manchester, England, before moving to the U.S. in 2009, earns at least $622,948 yearly; making $36,944 his weekly salary.
Reports indicate that the Urrea family would receive around $18,000 because of federal and California taxes, which could claim at least half of the cheque before it reaches their hands.
The little girl was born with a condition called hydoplastic left heart syndrome - she basically has half a heart because her heart didn't develop normally.
At just 4 years old, she had undergone more than 14 surgeries. Her first opened heart surgery came when she was just five days old.
Reports indicate that little Urrea was made to lead the Raiders as captain for the day, an arrangement made by Fox analyst Jay Glazier's Touchdown Dreams programme, which assists sick children.
The Raiders went on to win the game 26-24, denying the Bills a crucial spot in the play-off.
After the victory, little Urrea was given a signed helmet and several autographed footballs from players as well as the cheque from Watson.
Reports indicate that Jay Glazer learnt of Ava's story and contacted the family at their home in Las Vegas.
The whole Urrea family - father Edward, mom Amy, along with Ava and her 6-year-old brother - spent three days on a paid for trip at the Bay area.
Menelik Watson, who was out injured during Sunday's game, met the family and decided to give them his weekly salary on the spot.
"I couldn't believe it," Edward said after receiving the check.
"I felt like if there was anything I can do I wanted to do it," Menelik Watson said. "I have a daughter of my own, who is 6. It just felt right for me."
Doctors have told the family that Ava may not live past her early teenage years, but hope scientific advancements would provide cures for her condition.
"We are enjoying each moment and praying," Amy Urrea said. "We're making memories for our family." "Every milestone is such a big deal."
© 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
