Alex & Brady

Alexandra Courville, 14, a Toledo-area girl, who has battled heart disease and received a heart transplant from the Cleveland Clinic, died July 19 during an emergency surgery to give her a new artificial heart. She was on the list for a second heart because her body rejected the first one. Her condition deteriorated and doctors opted for the emergency artificial heart in order to give her more time until a second heart could be found.

During her stay at the hospital, Courville said her dream was to meet Brady Quinn. She contacted the Granted Wish Foundation through its YouTube site and a visit was arranged. After the first visit, Quinn was so taken by the girls strength, faith and hope that he kept in touch with her frequently and visited on several occasions. Courville’s friends said Quinn’s visits were "the best days of her life".

Executive Director, Stefanie Coletti attended the funeral and read a letter sent by Brady Quinn. "It was an honor and a privilege to know Aly. She was so full of faith and love and always thought of others before herself," she stated. "She was part of our Granted Wish Family and her loss has affected us all. We will miss you, Aly."