The Eagles helped 15-year-old Katie King through her battle with cancer — and she got to meet some of them

Katie King spent 130 nights at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The 15-year-old from Basking Ridge, N.J., described some days as rough, long — even boring at times. But when the Eagles played, those feelings disappeared.

“The Eagles would attach themselves to you,” said Kim King, Katie’s mom. “They’re very likable. … They got us through some really deep, dark times. But I‘m glad they’re part of our life. It’s been a game-changer for us.”

In August 2017, Katie was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer that only affects approximately 200 kids and young adults annually in the United States. Former Flyer (and current San Jose Sharks winger) Oskar Lindblom also battled Ewing sarcoma.

At just 10 years old, Katie had a tumor removed from her spine, which affected the ability to use her legs. The King family then transferred her to CHOP, about an 80-mile drive from their home, where Katie received chemotherapy treatments every other week.

As an avid sports fan, though, she couldn’t help but take notice of the Philly sports teams in the area, especially the Eagles, who had just won Super Bowl LII against the Patriots, while she received her treatments at CHOP.

“We watched every single football game,” Kim said. “We’ve always loved football, so she kind of grew into it. Like, she’s really good about knowing all the players.”

“I love watching football,” Katie added. “It’s my favorite thing to watch on Sundays. [The Eagles] mean a lot to me.”

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And, for the first time, Katie had the chance to meet a few Eagles players. Through Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley, Katie wished to go to an Eagles game. In Week 18, she was on the field for kickoff and watched her team beat the New York Giants.

Wearing No. 11 for A.J. Brown, her favorite player, Katie vividly remembers walking through the Eagles’ tunnel following the game and feeling the rush of cold air behind the players, who were large, Katie said. Very large.

She met Brown, T.J. Edwards, Jordan Mailata, DeVonta Smith, and more. They signed a football and helmet that a smiling Katie handed them. But when Brown signed Katie’s jersey, she gasped with happiness.

“I was like, ‘I’m never going to wash this,’” Katie said. “Because I would just want to keep it forever. It was cool, because I just saw him and he came over to me. I had never seen him in person before.”

When she saw the Giants get trampled, 38-7, in the NFC divisional round, it also made Katie’s day, since the neighbors back at home are all New York fans.

“I just really wanted them to win,” Katie added. “I didn’t want to see the Giants fans up here, like everyone doesn’t like the Eagles, so I just want them to win.”

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The King family has gone to three Eagles games together since Katie was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. During their first game, against the Carolina Panthers, Katie was in a wheelchair, which she said made it difficult to move around.

Because of radiation pneumonitis that causes inflammation of the lungs, Katie had gained over 50 pounds and was on oxygen. But Kim was shocked to see the number of fans willing to help Katie get up or down the stairs inside Lincoln Financial Field.

“It was just so touching that they actually cared to try to help us out,” Kim said. “Sometimes people stare and stuff, but it wasn’t like that. It was such a good experience, and I felt just so proud of the city that they that they were helping her.”

Katie finished treatment in April 2018. But in February 2020, she relapsed and had to go through 21 rounds of chemotherapy and 42 rounds of radiation.

Now, it’s so far so good, her mom said. Katie’s been out of treatment for about a year and a half and is earning A’s and B’s as a ninth-grader. She also did some activity with the soccer team this year. Her focus, though, these last couple of weeks has been on the Eagles, who are heading to Super Bowl LVII.

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“It’s really cool to see them actually go to the Super Bowl. It’s been five years; most teams don’t do that. I think the Chiefs and Eagles matchup is going to be really good. I just hope they win and I get to go down to the parade,” she said, smiling.

Her mom added: “Katie gets very mad with the team when they start playing poorly. She throws a little fit every now and then.”

Ah, now that’s a sign of a true Philly fan.