Fenway Magic: Wish child strikes out a year of cancer

 

Months ago, when the doctors at Children's Hospital found a tumor growing around his heart, this moment seemed out of reach. Last October, William was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Hodgkin's lymphoma. He began weekly chemotherapy treatments and underwent surgery to remove his spleen.

 

William's team of doctors did not simply treat him physically, however.  They also treated William's emotional well-being, by referring him to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. After months of worrying about his treatments, William's mind turned to a hopeful new topic: what would his fondest wish be?

 

William, his twin sister, and his older brother spent days imagining options for his wish. Finally, the sports-loving boy declared his choice: he wished to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park!

 

On the day of his wish, William arrived at the park wearing his beloved Sox cap and a crisp new jersey. The Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Red Sox partnered to create a full day of magic. William toured the park and met Terry Francona and Dice-K!

 

When William stepped onto the mound, he was greeted by a familiar face who would serve as his catcher: famed Sox slugger David Ortiz. With 30,000 fans cheering him on, William threw a strike to Ortiz and raised his arms in victory. After a year of battling cancer, he stood as tall as a Red Sox legend.