An 8-year-old boy got the surprise of a life time when former President Trump greeted him in person at a rally in New York on Wednesday.
Liam, who has a rare brain disorder, recently received a letter from President Trump just before his eighth birthday, and his heartfelt response to the surprise has gone viral.
Liam's mother, Siobhan, said doctors had warned the family that Liam may never be able to walk, talk or eat on his own.
“My friend plays ice hockey, he plays roller hockey, he does really well in school, he plays sports. We're very proud of him,” she told Fox News Digital in an interview shortly before Trump's rally at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, near her Long Island home.
A father develops a drug to save his son from a rare disease, and now other families are desperate to get it too
Former President Trump surprised 8-year-old Liam before taking to the stage at a rally in New York on Wednesday night. (X / @kevin_smith45)
Liam's mother said he'd been a Trump supporter since he was 18 months old.
Less than a week after receiving the letter, Liam's family was invited as VIP guests to Trump's Unidondale rally, where Liam received an even bigger birthday present: meeting the Republican presidential candidate.
“I was supposed to be on that stage but it doesn't matter because I've got the best present for you guys. This is the best present you've ever gotten,” Trump said as he greeted Liam backstage.
Mother desperate to save clinical trial that could cure daughter: 'The cure is in my fridge'
Liam and his family were special guests at former President Trump's rally in New York on Wednesday night. (Julia Bonavita)
Trump handed the box to Liam and said, “There's some really cool stuff in there.”
“This is a picture that you and I will treasure forever,” Trump told Liam after the photo was taken.
Trump thanked Liam and his family for accompanying him.
“Take care of yourself. I wish I looked like that. I could be president if I looked like that,” Trump told Liam.
Trump cheered on Liam and his family during the rally, pointing at him from the stage and telling the crowd about Liam's bravery and visit, which led to applause.
“It brings tears to my eyes,” Liam's mother told Fox News Digital.
The original video, which garnered national attention, showed Liam eagerly opening an envelope containing a letter addressed to him from the former president.
“This is a side of Donald Trump that no one has ever seen,” said Kevin Smith, who shared the original video before it exploded online. “Most Americans only see Trump's public persona and extensive media coverage of him, he said.”
Before taking to the stage at a rally in New York on Wednesday, Donald Trump took a moment to surprise 8-year-old fan Liam. (X/@kevin_smith45)
The video begins with Liam sitting on a couch as his mother hands him an envelope. Realizing what is happening, Liam, fighting back tears, is asked if he wants his mother to read the letter to him or have it read to him.
“Dear Liam, Happy Birthday Mrs. Trump. I hope you are enjoying this special day surrounded by the love of your family and friends,” Liam's mother Siobhan wrote.
“We are so inspired by the strength and determination you have shown throughout your life and wish you love and well wishes as you continue your fight,” the letter continued. “Remember, you are never alone. We are thinking of you and praying for your continued care and good health. May God bless you and your family. Stay strong.”
Tom Brady reveals inspirational advice he gave to 12-year-old during surprise Make-A-Wish meeting at Fanatics Fest
Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk shared the video and praised the former president for his thoughtful action.
“Amazing. This is one of the most amazing videos you will ever see. This 8 year old boy with a rare brain disorder breaks down in tears after opening a letter from President Trump wishing him a happy birthday,” Kirk wrote in X's post.
Siobhan then said that Trump knew Liam's birthday was coming up and asked him how he felt about wishing him a happy birthday.
“Excuse me, but can you tell me who signed this?” asks Siobhan.
“Donald Trump,” Liam replied, shaking as he fought back tears.
Click here to get the FOX News app
“Did he know your birthday was coming up? What would you say to him?” Siobhan asked.
“Thank you, I love you,” Liam said, while also signing “I love you.”
Fox News Digital's Julia Bonavita and Sophia Compton contributed to this report.
