Donald Trump greets 8-year-old fan suffering from rare brain disorder ahead of New York rally, gives him surprise gift

Former President Donald Trump surprised eight-year-old boy Liam, and his family with a surprise visit and a special gift Wednesday as the Republican presidential candidate led a rally in New York state. Liam is suffering from a rare brain disorder and was overjoyed not only with the personal visit but with a letter he received from Trump just before the boy turned eight.

"It's a pipe dream, I can never imagine, to thank the world for helping my son come this far and showing support and making his dream come true, because, believe it or not, this is definitely probably one of his big dreams, to meet Donald Trump, his hero since he was probably born. If not, very close," Liam's dad told Fox News, as he fought not to cry.

Doctors previously told the family that little Liam might never be able to do anything for himself, including walking or talking but he has defied the experts. "My buddy here plays ice hockey, he does roller hockey, he does very good in school, plays sports…we’re so proud of him," his mother Siobhan told Fox News just before the start of the Trump rally at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, not far from the family’s Long Island home.

She said her son has been an avid fan of Trump since he was only 18 months old. After Liam received the letter from the former president, he and his family received an invitation to attend Trump’s rally and sit in the VIP section.

Liam also got to meet his political hero up close. "I'm supposed to be on that stage, but that doesn't matter because I got you the best present," Trump told Liam as they met and he gave the boy a present while onlookers took pictures. "This is the best present you'll ever have … in there is real good stuff. We're gonna have that picture for life, you and I."

Trump left the awe-struck family with a thank you and best wishes, "Take care of yourself, okay? I wish I looked like that or if I looked like that, I'd be president," Trump told Liam. Trump also recognized Liam and his family from the stage, praising the boy’s bravery while applause swelled from the capacity crowd.

"I'm in tears," Liam's mom told Fox. "This is a side of Donald Trump that nobody gets to see," said Kevin Smith, who first shared the video of Trump and Liam. "Most Americans only see Trump’s public persona and widespread media coverage."