NJ Girl With Cerebral Palsy Meets Her Sports Idol Kobe Bryant
RAMSEY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — A New Jersey girl with cerebral palsy came face-to-face with her sports hero last week.
In January, 11-year-old Marina Pellicciari showed CBS2's Steve Overmyer her moves on the basketball court.
Because of her cerebral palsy, Marina's muscles sometimes tighten when they should relax, which is very painful.
But thanks to a special surgery, Marina is now able to play her favorite sport pain-free.
Now, her mom says Marina got to meet her favorite player, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Marina and her mom got to sit court-side and watch pregame warm-ups on Friday. Kobe even signed a jersey for Marina and hung out with her before the game.
For Marina, it was a dream come true.
"I mean, I never experienced anything like this ever," she said. "It's like the best day ever."
Kobe didn't play in the game due to an injury, but still made time for one of his biggest fans.