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Dad Suffering from ALS Throws Surprise Party for 7-Year-Old Daughter from Hospice Bed

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There’s a reason the term “Daddy’s Little Girl” came about — there is often a very special bond between a loving father and his daughter.

One dad pulled out all the stops he could when it came to celebrating his daughter Isabella’s 7th birthday. Fernando Ricksen wanted to surprise his little girl with a party of her own.

The 42-year-old Danish athlete is a former pro soccer player, perhaps most well known for his career with the Rangers.

People reported that Ricksen retired from the sport in 2013 after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) — more commonly known as ALS.

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He was given 18 months to live at the time.

But Ricksen pressed on and 6 years later he continues to battle the terminal illness that keeps him from walking and even speaking. It can also be difficult to breathe and eat.

Despite all he’s faced, Ricksen wasn’t about to forget about Isabella’s birthday. With the help of his wife Veronika, the former soccer champ had his hospital room decked out in all the things Isabella would love.

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“Best daddy ever, best surprise for our little girl,” Veronika wrote on Instagram. “Thank you so much for making her happy.”

In the video the happy mom shared of the special moment, little Isabella can be seen entering her dad’s room. The camera pans over to balloons, a unicorn cake and a headband and gifts.

Her excitement is so sweet but nothing is more precious than the smile on her dad’s face. There’s no denying his daughter means everything to him.

According to People, Ricksen told Eurosport.com that he has no plans to give up.

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“Inside me there is a fighting spirit, there always has been,” Ricksen reportedly said. “I will fight this. I know it will be difficult but I will battle all the way.”

With his wife and daughter by his side, there’s no doubt he’ll have the strength and encouragement he needs to carry on.

Fans of Ricksen can catch him one last time at a special event being held on June 28, 2019 at the GoGlasgow Urban Hotel.

“This is going to be a night to remember!” the event page on Facebook reads. “Let’s do Fernando proud with what will be an amazing event! “

For more information of Fernando Ricken’s battle with MND (ALS), visit his foundation’s website at fernandoricksenfoundation.org.

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Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.
Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.

Sarah's experience as a successful working stay-at-home mom and business owner has given her the chance to write and research often. She stays up to date on the latest in entertainment and offers her views on celebrity stories based on her wide knowledge of the industry. Her success as a former preschool teacher and licensed daycare provider lend to her know-how on topics relating to parenting and childhood education.

Her thoughts on faith and family issues stem from home life and ministry work. Sarah takes time to attend workshops and classes annually that help her to improve and hone her writing craft. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature program and her writing has been acclaimed by ACFW and ECPA.
Education
Institute of Children's Literature, Art Institute of Phoenix (Advertising), University of California Irvine (Theater), Snow College (Early Childhood Education)
Location
Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Entertainment, Faith




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