❤️ A HEARTWARMING NEW YEAR: A little girl with a rare brain tumor was counting down the days – her last wish was simply to hear “Nebraska star” Bergen Reillay call her name and wish her a happy new year! This dream, which brought millions to tears, spread across American social media… and then a miracle happened: Bergen Reillay found out.
The legendary setter star of Nebraska Cornhuskers not only made a private video call, calling her name and sending warm New Year wishes… but also organized an intimate charity volleyball game in Lincoln, with all proceeds going to a children’s cancer hospital.
The emotional climax: Bergen stepped onto the stage, his eyes red with tears, and introduced a brand new song written specifically for the little girl – a song about the strength, hope, and miracle of “fighting through pain.” Bergen’s final gift brought tears to the eyes of the entire audience, followed by thunderous applause that erupted uncontrollably…
Heartwarming Viral Story or Emotional Hoax? The Alleged New Year’s Miracle Involving Nebraska Star Bergen Reilly
In a story that’s spreading like wildfire across American social media, a little girl battling a rare brain tumor reportedly had one final wish: to hear Bergen Reilly, the legendary setter for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, call her name and wish her a Happy New Year.
The tale describes the dream going viral, bringing millions to tears—only for a “miracle” to unfold. Reilly allegedly discovered the wish, made a private video call with personalized greetings, and went further: organizing an intimate charity volleyball game in Lincoln, with all proceeds donated to a children’s cancer hospital.
The emotional peak? Reilly, eyes red with tears, introducing a brand-new song she wrote for the girl—about strength, hope, and “fighting through pain”—sparking thunderous applause and uncontrollable tears from the audience.
It’s a narrative straight out of a feel-good movie: Hope in despair, celebrity kindness, music as healing. Fans are sharing it with heart emojis, praising Reilly’s compassion and the power of sport.
But as the post racks up shares, a critical question emerges: Is this beautiful New Year’s miracle real, or yet another viral fabrication designed to pull at heartstrings?
Bergen Reilly: The Heart and Soul of Nebraska Volleyball
Bergen Reilly, the junior from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has cemented herself as one of college volleyball’s all-time greats. In 2025, she earned:
AVCA National Setter of the Year Big Ten Player of the Year Multiple All-American honors Finalist for AVCA National Player of the Year
Her leadership guided Nebraska to an undefeated regular season (33-0 overall) before a tough Elite Eight exit. Known for pinpoint sets, calm under pressure, and that “radiant smile,” Reilly inspires teammates and fans alike.
Off the court, she’s humble, often highlighting perspective—like reminding her team of cancer survivors in the crowd during a 2025 match to fuel their drive.
Nebraska volleyball thrives on community: Annual Pink Matches raise breast cancer awareness, honoring survivors as honorary starters. Reilly has penned emotional messages about causes “bigger than volleyball.” The program supports outreach, but specific personal initiatives like this viral story? That’s where facts diverge.
The Viral Wish: Video Call, Charity Game, and a Custom Song?
The post details a dying girl’s wish spreading nationwide, Reilly responding with a video call, then escalating to a full charity event in Lincoln—complete with a tearful song debut about resilience amid pain.
Extensive checks across news, social media, Nebraska Athletics, and charity records reveal no evidence:
No reports of a little girl with a brain tumor wishing for Reilly’s New Year message. No private video call or viral campaign tied to this. No charity volleyball game organized by Reilly in late 2025/early 2026 for children’s cancer.
No new song written or performed by Reilly for a child.
Nebraska did host cancer awareness events (e.g., Pink Match honoring survivors), and Reilly motivated her team by acknowledging them. But nothing matches the specifics: brain tumor, countdown to death, New Year wish, charity match, or original song.
This mirrors a pattern of fabricated athlete stories: Terminally ill child admirer, celebrity’s over-the-top response (video, event, song), emotional climax with tears/applause. Similar hoaxes have featured Harper Murray, Lexi Rodriguez, and others—preying on admiration for stars and compassion for sick kids.
The Real Compassion in Nebraska Volleyball
While fictional, the story spotlights genuine efforts. Nebraska’s Pink Matches raise awareness and funds; players hug survivors and share messages. Reilly’s 2025 comment—”Guys, we have cancer survivors in the crowd”—inspired her team, showing her awareness of bigger battles.
Athletes like Reilly often support Make-A-Wish or hospitals quietly. If a real wish existed, it might involve team visits or signed gear—not a fabricated extravaganza.
Childhood cancer stories demand respect; inventing them diminishes authentic ones (e.g., verified Make-A-Wish events or survivor honors).
Why These Tales Spread – And Why We Should Pause
Social media loves miracles: Underdog hope, celebrity heroism, tears of joy. New Year’s timing amplifies feel-good vibes. Nebraska’s passionate fans (Go Big Red!) boost shares.
But unchecked virals risk harming causes. Real support? Donate to verified organizations like Children’s Hospital foundations or cancer research.
As of January 2026, Reilly prepares for another title run with returning stars like Harper Murray and Andi Jackson. Her true impact? On-court excellence and off-court class—no exaggeration needed.
This “heartwarming New Year” appears pure invention—touching clickbait in a sea of misinformation. Bergen Reilly’s real story already inspires: Leadership, grace, perspective. That’s the miracle worth celebrating.
If evidence emerges (unlikely), credible sources will report it. Until then, let’s honor actual heroes—survivors, families, and athletes making quiet differences.
