Ryan Reynolds pays birthday tribute to Newfoundland-born cancer victim

Ryan Reynolds took to Facebook and posted a photo of himself with Edmonton’s Connor McGrath, who’s battling cancer. (Facebook)

Actor Ryan Reynolds penned an emotional online tribute to a Newfoundland-born cancer victim Sunday, honouring what would have been the boy's 14th birthday.

Reynolds visited Connor McGrath in an Edmonton hospital earlier this year and gave him an advance screening of his film "Deadpool" weeks before audiences got a chance to see the blockbuster.

In a Facebook post, Reynolds says the Make-A-Wish Foundation brought he and Connor together and "nothing -- not even a cowardly ... thing called cancer can take that away."

Reynolds described Connor as being "as quick with a joke as he was with a hug" as he fought the disease.

The Vancouver-born film star offered Connor's parents his condolences.

Reynolds encouraged his online followers to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.