Eric Church Customizes ‘Homeboy’ for 10-Year-Old With Immune Disorder

A young Eric Church fan named Nathan got the best birthday present ever. The 10-year-old with common variable immune deficiency was on a quest to meet his favorite radio DJ, and once there, was surprised with a birthday party.

Wishes from Zac Brown and Church were just part of what Nathan experienced during a visit to the Bobby Bones Show. An audio recording from Church included a customized version of "Homeboy," that included the lyrics "Happy birthday / Happy 10th birthday to my brother, Nathan / My homeboy." 

Nathan's birthday gets even better when he's presented with a signed Eric Church guitar. It's a Make-a-Wish dream come true, with a large smile showing the gratitude. According to a Fundrazr page set up to help cover costs for the trip from Florida to Nashville, Nathan has apraxia, which is a neuro condition that limits his speech. His dream is to be a radio DJ, and he's a big fan of both Church and the Zac Brown Band. A note from his parents talks about his appreciation for Bobby Bones and how country music helps him get through transfusions.

Church has two sons himself — a 5-year-old and 2-year-old. While known for rebellious country-rock, he frequently shows his softer side on albums. "Three-year-old" is a standout track from his most recent Mr. Misunderstood album. The 39-year-old is also know for a strong commitment to fans. Recently he refused to cancel a show in Canada even though heavy snow made hanging his normal light rig impossible: