In Feb. 2009, 8-year-old Vanessa Riddle was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a very rare and aggressive form of cancer that is extremely difficult to treat in young children.
Today, Vanessa is 12 years old and continues her battle against cancer after releapsing back in 2001. Her family must move from Glasgow to the United States in order to continue treatment, but need help in order to do so.
Many NHL teams, individual players and fans have used Twitter in order to help spread Vanessa's story and bring hope to the young child as she continues down such a difficult road.
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Let's help get her to 20K. She has a very inspiring story @vanessariddle: Woohoo 12,092 lovely followersthx, onwards to 20,000..... Brandon Bollig (@Bollig87) July 13, 2012
Everyone follow @VanessaRiddle, 12 year old girl who's fighting cancer. Give her a tweet and make her smile. True warrior. Gabriel Landeskog (@GabeLandeskog92) July 13, 2012
@vanessariddle On behalf of every fan of the Phoenix Coyotes NHL hockey club, I hope every day is a great day. Much love to you. Dave Zorn (@dave_zorn) July 14, 2012
Sometimes a tweet is all it takes to make someone smile and cancer fighter @vanessariddle could use a few of those. LA Kings (@LAKings) July 13, 2012
@vanessariddle Hey Vanessa I heard about you through a few NHL players. God Bless you and I wish you strength on your battle! PrayingForYou Dylan Metcalf (@DylanMoocalf) July 13, 2012
Are you following @vanessariddle yet? If all 5000 plus HP followers give her a follow she will be close to her goal of 20,000 followers. HockeyProspect.com (@HockeyProspect) July 14, 2012
Shout out to @VanessaRiddle Age 12 & fighting Cancer. Stay strong girl!! You have the DevilsArmy on your side! New Jersey Devils (@NHLDevils) July 14, 2012
Hi @vanessariddle keep fighting and be strong! My thoughts and prayers are with you! Derek Roy (@Roy9ner) July 13, 2012To join the NHL's efforts and learn more about Vanessa, visit vanessasjourney.com.