From a chilly Green Bay comes a heart-melting story via Charlotte, where a heart transplant survivor had the day of his life as a traveling fan for his beloved Carolina Panthers.

Bryson Shupe was born with a congenital heart defect, and 8 years ago, required open-heart surgery to survive. At Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, he lay in the pre-transplant ward next to another boy named TJ Olsen.

TJ is the son of a famous retired tight end for the Panthers, Greg Olsen, and while the sportscaster was visiting his son, he created a lasting friendship with young Bryson as well. It birthed a deep love of Panthers football, and a bond that wasn’t to be forgotten.

Bryson successfully underwent and recovered from the surgery, and 8 years later, had the incredible opportunity to travel to

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