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Harlem Globetrotters visit girl whose picture was once used in abortion campaign

The Harlem Globetrotters paid a visit to a local family that was once devastated after internet trolls used their daughter's picture in an abortion campaign.
Photo via Natalie Weaver's Twitter account.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Harlem Globetrotters paid a visit to a local family that was once devastated after internet trolls used their daughter's picture in an abortion campaign.

The world-famous basketball team hung out with Sophia Weaver and her family last week in Mecklenburg County. Sophia's mother Natalie took to social media to thank the Globetrotters for the unforgettable experience.

— Natalie Weaver (@Nataliew1020) March 16, 2018

"It was an honor to have Hoops Green from The Harlem Globetrotters in our home," Natalie said in the tweet. "We sincerely appreciate the love and kindness that the Harlem Globetrotters @Globies have shown our family. It was the best day ever!"

Sophia was born with deformities on her face, hands and feet. Natalie was 34 weeks pregnant when doctors told her and husband Mark what to expect.

Sophia Weaver was born with deformities on her face, hands and feet. Her mom was 34 weeks pregnant when doctors told her and her husband what to expect.

RELATED: Mom outraged after daughter’s picture used in abortion campaign

“My world just felt like it crashed down,” Natalie previously told NBC Charlotte's Michelle Boudin. "We tried to take her out and were met with stares and cruelty that destroyed me.”

Natalie previously told NBC Charlotte her family was very private for a while before facing another blow. Sophia was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, an extremely rare and degenerative condition.

“When she was five, we found out she has Rett syndrome. It was the reason she had lost any abilities that she had gained. It makes you unable to walk, talk and do things for yourself,” Natalie previously told Boudin.

Sophia's health battles ultimately inspired Natalie to become a public advocate for health care and people with special needs. But earlier in the year, the family was devastated after a stranger took a picture from an online article and used it on social media to promote abortion.

“When I saw that posted my heart dropped, it was incredibly painful,” Natalie said previously.

The family worked with Twitter to get Sophia's picture removed and the account taken down. She said she had to do what any mom would do, which was protecting her child.

“She’s, Sophia, she's amazing, she's meant to be here, she's a wonderful human being, she's made me a better human being,” said Natalie.

Weaver is the co-founder of Advocates for Medically Fragile Kids NC. Click here for more information.

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