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Subscribe to RSSBattling a rare form of cancer, Avalanna Routh scored the most coveted Valentine’s Day date in the world this year.
Affectionately known as “Mrs. Bieber’’ by her famous “husband,’’ the 6-year-old Boston girl got to spend the day in New York with Justin Bieber on Monday after an online campaign and a report by NBC Boston affiliate WHDH caught the eye of the pop star. He flew Routh and her family to Manhattan for a special date.
During their meeting, the two played board games, signed autographs for each other, and Routh even was able to lay her hands on the famous Bieber hairdo and style it her own way.
“That was one of the best things I have ever done,’’ Bieber later tweeted. “She was AWESOME. Feeling really inspired right now.’’
Another tweet read, “Best part of my day.’’
Last year, thanks to the Jimmy Fund, Routh got a pretend marriage to Bieber to earn the moniker “Mrs. Bieber.’’ Her family created a Facebook page dedicated to somehow arranging a meeting between Routh and Bieber, and it came to fruition three days after Bieber tweeted the link to the WHDH segment to his more than 17 million followers. For almost her entire life, Routh has fought against an aggressive and rare form of cancer known as ATRT that is diagnosed in less than 30 cases per year.
The little girl has loved Bieber longer than she’s been alive, as she joked during her “date’’ with him. Asked how long she has been a Bieber fan, Routh replied, “Seven years. No, 80. Eighty years.’’
The hashtag #MrsBieber trended worldwide on Twitter Monday as news of the special meeting in advance of Valentine’s Day spread.
“It’s wonderful,’’ Aileen Routh, Avalanna’s mother, told NBC News. “It was another fun moment.’’
Like the rest of the legion of Bieber fans, Routh was afflicted with a certain condition sweeping the world on Valentine’s Day.
“I got Bieber fever,’’ she told NBC News before smiling.
Find more information about the disease that the 6-year-old girl was fighting at CURE AT/RT Now.
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Nice going Beebs! thats the stuff of life.
Not a Beiber fan but his stock just went up a few points with me....
great story. way to go JB.
That's a sweet story. I especially smiled at the thought of this little girl styling the famous "do".
I saw the video coverage and I must say... Justin, you are an angel. Thank you for caring enough to do that. Much Respect.
A very sweet and kind thing to do. I hope that other stars do the same (unlike the Barefoot Contessa chick).
By doing this, he's proven that he's got more class and maturity than many other stars his age. He's earned my total respect.
Go Justin! May more stars follow your example.
His manager and publicist thought it would be good PR.
It is good PR precisely because it was a legitimately good thing to do. If his charity is rewarded by increased sales and publicity, so much the better. Kudos to Bieber and his staff.
This "good PR" made a little girl's dream come true, which is what really counts. Why are you such a cynic? Are you jealous because the girl had a Valentine's date, and you don't?
I think it's naive to believe that not even a bit of this was for the PR benefits. I'm not cynical, I'm realistic. I believe that if you do something good for someone, you shouldn't make a big deal out of it because in doing so you are seeking glory for yourself and high fives from everyone. I seek to avoid the spotlight, myself. When I do something nice for someone, I don't run and tell everyone. That, to me, would tarnish the deed. I just smile to myself for having helped someone out. If you give a homeless man a meal, he knows you did it, why does everyone else have to know? To be fair, it is hard to know when celebrities are being genuine with these acts and when they do it just for the mass praise they'll receive.
@BigJohn88007 The only issue I have with your assumption is that a lot of people knew about this ahead of time. Justin didn't seek out this meeting to get in the spotlight - he already had that. There's simply no way he could have done this anonymously. And frankly, if I had that kind of celebrity and could use it in such a way I would - damn the cynical people out there.
He's the genuine thing!
I may not like the kids singing, but I respect the hell out of him for that. I doubt he did that at the behest of his manager or publicist, because many of the things he's done in the past reflect that the kid's just a good-natured boy.
And even if, by some miracle, it was a publicity stunt.... at least he did it, and that's more than almost all the rest of those worthless singers and actors do these days.
Completely agree- I've never been a fan of his singing, but this kid does seem to get it- he's nothing without his fans, and the number of times we've seen him giving back in the media is probably only a percentage of what he actually does. I believe he was brought up with almost nothing but love, and it's really awesome to see him giving so much love to his fans!
Good job Justin! Thank you SO much
This man has showed much class over this past week. His tweet on the death of Houston was kind without pretending to even know her. What he has done for this little girl and her family is beyond thoughtful. The people looking at this as a publicity stunt are so jaded and cannot possibly believe that there is still good. Kudos to Bieber.
Even if his manager and publicist thought this would be good PR and Justin only did this at their behest, that six year old does not care. She had the day of her life. That's all that really matters.
For those who don't know, Justin was brought up very poor. He and his mother had to go to soup kitchens to eat. It is one of the reasons that he's so thankful and does so much for others. Truly a great guy.
Awesome story. I will admit that I am not a fan of his and I would reach for the remote anytime he was on tv but after seeing this story I have a lot of respect for this kid now and I will not be so quick to reach for the remote from here forward. Way to make this little girl's dream come true Justin.
I'm not a fan; but much respect, Mr. B.
I might not be a fan of his music, but I really admire and respect him as a person; he does so much for others, always involved with charity. He's very grounded. Older performers could learn a thing or two from him.
I also am not really a fan, but definitely think a lot of anyone willing to do something like this for a dying little girl. He is definitely setting an example for a lot of other performers!
Kudos, Mr. Bieber! Your kind act not only made that beautiful girl and her family happy, but you have also put smile on many other faces as a result (just read the comments posted about this article). Simple gestures go a long way! Thank you for reminding all of us of that!
Oh gosh. Made my eyes swell up as soon as I opened the article. Six year olds should not have to deal with cancer! Why am I sitting here at 68 years old, doing nothing useful and that little girl has to have this?
Good job Justin. You made this little girl happy.
I'm not a JB fan either - I don't know If I've ever heard him sing. But his random acts of kindness make him a good man. Keep it up JB - don't become one of those elitist, "I'm only in this for the money" musicians. Keep it real.
Is this perverted, publicity, or good? I don't know.
As much as I'd like to say I can't stand Justin Bieber, I just can't. His genuine nice-guy qualities and willingness to do things like this such as spend a whole day with a cancer-ridden six year old really impress me. This isn't an isolated incident for him and I think speaks to his true character. Truly refreshing.
I am not a fan of his music, But this kid has the biggest heart in the world. Hey all you famous celebs, Learn a lesson from this young Man!!!! Way to go kid, you have my respects!
I actually feel bad for making fun of him in the past (I'm not a fan of his music). But I totally get it that he's a good person. What a class act! :-)
If the young man is sincere and it's not just a photo op, I entirely applaud him.
What a sweetheart! Reading this made my day :) He's such a cutie anyway. Good for him for using his "power" to do something wonderful for this sweet little girl!
Thanks Biebs!!! You are a hero to this little angel and she'll never forget it!