This week, Chance The Rapper lent a helping hand to 17-year-old Heidi Hernandez, a Chicago student who's been battling sclerosing cholangitis since age 3. Chance was reached by Hernandez' manager at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, who requested help in getting Heidi tickets to see her favorite band Coldplay. Sure enough, the local emcee was able to score Hernandez and her boyfriend club seating at the band's Thursday night show in Chicago.
Hernandez has found solace in the music of Coldplay throughout her ongoing health issues. After being diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis at age 3, she received a liver transplant at age 9. However, the disease has returned in her new liver and she has also been diagnosed with hepatitis autoimmune. Doctors say she needs another transplant.
"I got into a really bad depression where I wouldn't even be able to go to school. And I just started listening to [Coldplay's] music and it made me feel a lot better," she told ABC News.
Attending the show was a great experience for Hernandez. "It felt like everyone was being connected somehow because you enjoy the same music," she said. She also hopes that one day she can personally thank the members of the band for how they've much they've helped her.
According to ABC, Chance met with Hernandez at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria near Midway International Airport, where she has been working multiple days a week while attending high school.
Hernandez also offered some words on how to help people like her. "Become an organ donator. You can always save a life. It may not be my life, but you can save so many lives with just one person," she said.
Chance The Rapper has been making an effort to give back to his city, particularly when it comes to the youth. He recently donated 30,000 backpacks to school kids as well as donating $1 million to Chicago Public Schools. He was presented with the Humanitarian Award at the 2017 BET Awards by former first lady and fellow Chicagoan Michelle Obama."With these passionate efforts, Chance is showing our young people that they matter," said Obama. "Because of you, countless young people will grow up believing in themselves."
