Football Players Form Impactful Friendship With NJ Girl

ORADELL, NJ — A girl with special needs and three high school football players have formed a friendship that has transformed all of their lives.

Mike Sirico and brothers Joe and Mike Mellett were walking to say hi to Lori Dunn, one of their teachers at River Dell High School. Dunn's daughter, Ciara was there and when she saw the boys, she got excited. She ran up to them, smiled, and gave them a tour of her home.

That was two years ago. Their lives have not been the same since.

"Ciara’s life has changed. Prior to her meeting them, it was difficult to take her out in certain situations," Dunn said. "Since she met them, she has a love for football."

Ciara Dunn has a rare bone disorder, cannot talk well, and attends school in another district. She always enjoyed socializing before meeting the boys, but she would get anxious. But that was not the case when she met Sirico and the Mellett brothers.

"We knew that Mrs. Dunn works really hard with Ciara to make her feel herself around other people, and we know it's not easy," said Joe Mellett. "When we got to the house we saw Ciara jumping in excitement. When she came out of the house she was screaming and gave us the most heartwarming hug."

The boys saw how happy their visit made her and came back with three more friends.

"Since we knew that Ciara could not communicate too well. We could tell by her excitement and smile the impact we had on her," Joe Mellett said. "We brought them all over just to see her smile."

Now, Ciara Dunn is a regular at River Dell High School football games. Joey Mellett said the team always sees Ciara, their "super fan," while they're running down onto the field. After the game, the boys make sure to find her and give her a hug.

"While the games are going on we know we have a super fan cheering us on," said Joey Mellett.

"It is a very special friendship for me because I know that Ciara is always in the stands watching and cheering us on," said Mike Sirico, the quarterback and a wide receiver on the team.

Lori Dunn said her daughter has changed for the better because of the bond forged with the players.

"She is a very affectionate person," Dunn said. "Now, she gets excited when people give her positive attention. The boys, they were just being nice, and they've made such a difference in her life."

The reverse is also true.

"I think this friendship that Mike, my brother, and I have formed with Ciara is truly life-changing," Joe Mellett said. "I have not only had a positive impact on her life, but she has made a huge impact on mine, as well."

Mike Mellett agreed.

"The friendship I formed with her is super special to me," he said. "I feel that no matter what, you should treat everyone the same."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com