KANSAS CITY, Mo. — While the reigning MVP has a foundation of his own, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes supports many others around his wrists.
During practice or a game, Mahomes can look down at wristbands that read, "You Got This," and, "Never Ever Give Up." Wearing the bands is a gesture that means a lot more to the children behind them.
"For me, it makes me feel like he really cares, you know?" Cade Spinello said.
Cade Spinello, 13, lights up when he sees No. 15 sporting his wristband during a game. Not to mention on the cover of Madden 20.
"We do pause that TV and look for, to see that wristband," said Michael Spinello, Cade's father, "and it's so encouraging just to know that he's cheering for Cade just as loud as Cade's cheering for him."
Cade said that since he was 5 years-old, he's been on a tough road.
"The doctors discovered a brain tumor," Cade Spinello said, "and it was right behind my eyes, and the during the surgery, I suffered a massive stroke."
Cade said people like to call him SuperCade. After his stroke, Cade lost his sight and speech, but did just as his wristband told him to do – Never Ever Give Up.
Cade said he met Mahomes at a quarterback camp that former NFL quarterback Jordan Palmer invited him to years ago. Cade said the two played catch together and he gave Mahomes one of his wristbands. Earlier this year, Cade had the chance to hang out with all-star quarterback after, he said, Mahomes requested it.
"He went back out to the camp back in March for the Oakley commercial and you know, first thing he said when he got there was you know, where's SuperCade," Michael Spinello said.
Enjoying their time together, Cade said hanging out with Mahomes wasn't as intimidating as many might think.
"When I workout, it's like really cool," Cade said, "like the guys treat me as like a friend. They don't see me as a kid, they see me as one of the guys."
Mahomes has made an impact on children across the country, including Whitney Wells, the little girl behind the "You Got This," wristband. Wells was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, or DIPG, a rare and inoperable form of cancer. On social media, the Wells family recently announced her passing.
"That is a brutal, brutal cancer," said Erin Sinello, Cade's mother, "... Hopefully they're feeling surrounded and loved and that their daughter's legacy will continue."
For years, Mahomes has stuck by children like Cade and Whitney, and Cade said it's his turn to support his friend during tough times.
"I'm encouraging him, but he's also like really encouraging me," Cade Spinello said.
Michael and Erin Spinello told 41 Action News that Cade is doing well and continuing physical therapy. They said Mahomes has done more than just wear a wristband, but that he's encouraged Cade to work hard and follow his dreams.
"In the beginning, it was, you know, therapy every morning and we're taking him there," Michael Spinello said, "but now he's taking ownership of it and you know, Cade has all the goals and dreams a 13-year-old boy is supposed to have."
