Dolphins fan Josh Pita has been battling leukemia for three years but for his Thursday morning checkup at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, mom Laura conspired with the 10-year-old's favorite NFL team for a surprise.
"To have the Dolphins come and just visit him and let them know that they're thinking about him is absolutely amazing," said Laura Pita, beaming.
The Pita family of five moved to South Florida from New York close to a decade ago. They've had season tickets to the Miami Dolphins ever since. That's about as long as Josh has been alive.
So the Dolphins decided to return the favor.
The Fins' mascot, T.D., joined cheerleaders and retired players Twan Russell and Troy Drayton in crashing Josh's hospital visit. Josh's four brothers came along for the surprise too.
Josh plays football himself and is a starting right tackle for his youth league in Cooper City. He tossed a football with T.D. and shared hugs with players nearly twice his size.
"It was really cool and I didn't expect it," said Josh.
Josh and his family said they will be pulling for the Dolphins against the Saints Monday night.
"Dolphins all the way!" said his mom. "It's gonna be an exciting game, and I might just let the boys stay up to watch."
