Meet a Spirit of Benny recipient, Michael, a brave 4-year-old boy. The Spirit of Benny is working in connection with the Make-A-Wish Program to fund his wish.

What was meant to be a fun and memorable day, turned into an afternoon filled with doctors, tests and uncertainty for Michael and his family. This brave four-year-old spent his birthday in the Hospital, suffering from persistent vomiting and stomach pain. After testing and scans, doctors found a large tumor in Michael’s abdomen. Following his cancer diagnosis, Michael faced five rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, along with a stem cell transplant. His family awaits the day his treatment is complete, and the anticipation of a wish helps give this little fighter something to look forward to. This cheerful little guy encourages “dance parties in the kitchen” and puzzles after dinner. You can also find him with his Monster Trucks, LEGOS, or playing his favorite video games, which all helped him through his treatment days. Michael adores sports, and likes playing golf, baseball, and basketball, the most! His passion for basketball is what inspired his most heartfelt wish – to have his very own Basketball Court! Michael loves playing the game with his dad, but especially loves when his entire family joins in on the fun! He imagines having “100 basketballs” with a hoop and a net and playing his favorite game with his loved ones anytime his heart desires!

Michael’s wish of getting a basketball court made in his own backyard was fully funded by donors in 2020!