Community Corner
Plainfield's Anti-Bullying Hero Meets Country Music Star
The Plainfield boy got his wish to meet Brad Paisley — and he'll get to meet another hero for his "heartversary."
PLAINFIELD, IL — A year ago, after facing bullying from classmates and battling a congenital heart defect, 6-year-old Ayden Cazares had just undergone heart surgery. But he came back stronger, launching his own Facebook page to fight bullying and grant the birthday wishes of other kids.
This month — as Ayden approaches the one-year anniversary of his Aug. 23, 2018 heart surgery — the first-grader asked his parents to take him to see country music star Brad Paisley.
Boy, 6, Overcomes Bullying, Heart Condition To Spread Kindness
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On Aug. 3, the singer performed at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park. During the show, Paisley autographed a guitar and gave it to Ayden.
Mom Nelly Dominguez called it an "amazing moment," and the VIP treatment was caught on film. Nelly wrote on Ayden's Facebook page, saying, "Ayden, I watched you smile, a smile from ear to ear and it filled my heart with so much joy. I truly live for these moments with you. ... Thank you Brad Paisley for making his 1st concert and Heartversary so memorable. Thanks for the guitar!"
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As if that weren't enough, Nelly said Ayden will finally realize another dream: On Aug. 25, he'll get to meet Cubs player Kyle Schwarber. Last year, Ayden posted a video comforting the outfielder after the team's season ended with a loss to the Rockies.
Weeks later, Schwarber FaceTimed with Ayden, and the pair will finally meet in person later this month, Nelly said.
Watch Ayden's moment with Brad Paisley here:
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