John Ream, a three‑year‑old Tampa native, experienced his first Tampa Bay Lightning game on Thursday night at the Benchmark International Arena. After a harrowing 16‑month stay at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he was born at just 23 weeks and two days, John’s family celebrated the milestone with a private suite prepared by the Lightning organization.
From a fragile start to a cheering crowd
Born in April 2023 weighing only 1 pound, 6 ounces, John faced a series of life‑threatening setbacks. He was intubated for months, received a tracheostomy, and endured multiple cardiac arrests both in the hospital and at home. His parents, Nicole and Jordan Ream, kept hope alive, describing how a Lightning‑themed stuffed mascot, Thunderbug, became John’s favorite companion during his long recovery.
“The only thing that made him smile was the Thunderbug stuffy,” Nicole recalled. The mascot visited John’s hospital room repeatedly, offering a sense of normalcy amid the intensive medical care.
Family’s dream becomes reality
After being discharged in September 2024, John continued to make progress. He began speaking less than a year ago and had his tracheostomy removed in June. When his doctors cleared him for public outings, the Lightning organization stepped in to make the experience unforgettable.
“When they called, I didn’t have words,” Nicole said, describing the moment she learned the team had arranged a private suite for their family. “I’m kind of speechless, and I’m not someone who’s ever speechless.”
Community and team support
The Reams are lifelong Lightning fans, and the team’s gesture reflects a broader community effort to support families facing medical challenges. While John was in the hospital, a local charity decorated his room with Lightning gear, reinforcing the connection between the team and its fans.
“When he would be in there and playing with John, you could block everything else out and see a normal child having a normal life,” Nicole explained, emphasizing how the mascot’s presence helped preserve a sense of childhood for John.
Looking ahead
John’s first game marks a hopeful new chapter for his family. The Lightning’s private suite allowed the Reams to enjoy the action together, surrounded by teammates, staff, and other fans who celebrated the young boy’s resilience.
“It’s a dream come true for John and our family,” Jordan said, adding that the experience has strengthened their gratitude for the community that rallied around them.
John’s story underscores the power of local sports teams to bring joy and encouragement to families confronting serious health battles. As the Lightning continue their season, the Ream family looks forward to many more games, confident that the support they received will carry them through the challenges ahead.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
