When Teejay Stainer’s parents posted a picture of their son with his prosthetic leg covered with Eminem’s image to Facebook, they could only hope it would somehow reach the rapper.
The post shows the 10-year-old holding a sign that reads, “My name is Teejay Stainer from Andover England. I wear a prosthetic leg. These are my Eminem legs I’ve had made. My wish is for Eminem to see them. Thank you.”
Slim Shady’s music had a huge influence on Stainer growing up, according to the Daily Echo. So when he received a prosthetic, he decided to decorate it with his hero’s face.
The moving message eventually made it to the singer, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, after being shared by thousands on social media. He surprised the superfan by sending him a package containing a signed copy of his 2010 album Recovery with the note, “To: Tee Jay – Saw ur pic [and] read ur message! Thanks 4 the support!
“I was amazed when I saw the CD,” Stainer told the Daily Echo. “I just wanted to thank him for getting me through the difficult times and show him how dedicated I am. I think he sent me that album in particular because of the recovery that I’ve made.”
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Write to Megan McCluskey at megan.mccluskey@time.com