It's a gift from a true saint that's provided a New Orleans teenager and his family a Christmas miracle. Thanks to New Orleans Saints star Demario Davis, Christmas came early for the family of Sam Butler, a teen shot Mardi Gras day who's been making incredible strides in his recovery.WDSU reporter Juliana Mazza has been following Sam's story for months, and Wednesday, Davis surprised Sam and his aunt, Allieta, with a handicapped-accessible van they desperately needed but couldn't afford."I had no clue he was coming," Allieta said. "It's going to be so easy to get him around now, bring him to his appointments, get him around and just do life. Just do life.""Sam, what he's going through, I think that requires so much inner spirit and strength, and people can't even comprehend how much of a warrior he is, and that's motivation for me," Davis said.Davis may be a saint on and off the field. He worked with Superior Vans and Mobility on the Westbank, which also made a donation to the family's cause.Davis has also developed a relationship with the Butler family over the last several months. Davis frequently texts, calls and even sends Sam inspirational videos to keep his spirits up during recovery.Sam's mother passed away and his aunt is now his caretaker. If you can help, visit the family's GoFundMe page.Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!

It's a gift from a true saint that's provided a New Orleans teenager and his family a Christmas miracle. Thanks to New Orleans Saints star Demario Davis, Christmas came early for the family of Sam Butler, a teen shot Mardi Gras day who's been making incredible strides in his recovery.

WDSU reporter Juliana Mazza has been following Sam's story for months, and Wednesday, Davis surprised Sam and his aunt, Allieta, with a handicapped-accessible van they desperately needed but couldn't afford.


"I had no clue he was coming," Allieta said. "It's going to be so easy to get him around now, bring him to his appointments, get him around and just do life. Just do life."

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I don't know if anyone has a heart as big as @saints linebacker @demario__davis. Today he surprised the family of shooting victim Sam Butler with a van they desperately needed. Demario is the real deal & should make us all proud to be a part of #WhoDatNation @TeamSam12 @wdsu pic.twitter.com/hhtEvIPIKi — Juliana Mazza (@julianamazzatv) December 20, 2018

"Sam, what he's going through, I think that requires so much inner spirit and strength, and people can't even comprehend how much of a warrior he is, and that's motivation for me," Davis said.

Davis may be a saint on and off the field. He worked with Superior Vans and Mobility on the Westbank, which also made a donation to the family's cause.

Davis has also developed a relationship with the Butler family over the last several months. Davis frequently texts, calls and even sends Sam inspirational videos to keep his spirits up during recovery.

Sam's mother passed away and his aunt is now his caretaker. If you can help, visit the family's GoFundMe page.

Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!