Athletes and Nonprofits Lift Up 9-Year-Old Leukemia Patient in North Carolina

DAVIDSON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – Regardless of your current situation in life, it's comforting to have a supportive group. Particularly when facing cancer as your opponent.

Judah Boyce enjoys playing soccer, and as we saw, the thrill of being applauded as he takes a kick is even more exciting.

He's a strong and tough kid," said Shawn Boyce, Judah's father. "I believe he understands much more on the inside than we ever thought.

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Last Saturday, the main objective at Davidson College's Alumni Stadium was to honor his ninth birthday. There are many reasons to be happy since he also had his chemotherapy port removed after being diagnosed with leukemia a few years back.

"Many of my friends came who I haven't seen in a while," Judah said to Queen City News.

They had a great time on the field.

"We're going to pass the ball to you and you'll take the shot," a Davidson men's soccer player told the children at the event.

As they cheered for each shot, it was evident that the Davidson team was the highlight of the event. For the last year, they have been part of Team Judah.

"Leaving the field, stepping away from the classroom, and contributing to something bigger is amazing," says Max Lichtenstein, Davidson's assistant coach.

Nonprofits like Cool Kids Clubhouse in Huntersville and Team IMPACThave encircled the Boyces with their arms.

"It holds significance and is compassionate, and today we are truly fortunate that they all showed up," said Shelly Boyce, Judah's mother.

Team IMPACT pairs children such as Judah with a college athletic team. It benefits all parties involved.

The Davidson soccer team has provided Judah with an additional support network beyond his family, which has been incredibly significant.

They've been amazing," Judah's mother says. "The guys have a group chat where they share humorous memes and videos with one another.

"Attending every soccer match and enjoying themselves," says Judah about their connection.

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"And I believe it's excellent to have Judah on the team, particularly considering all he has experienced," said Ayman Maadir, a defender for the Davidson soccer squad.

The Cool Kids hosted a soccer-themed celebration for Judah, and they have also done much to ensure he doesn't feel isolated, providing him with art projects and Lego kits along with other activities.

It definitely requires a community, truly," says Camille Smart, the family program coordinator at Cool Kids. "There are various aspects of a cancer diagnosis that people don't typically witness.

This birthday holds even greater significance when you take into account that Judah is in remission, another crucial milestone that demonstrated to the family the support everyone, from friends to complete strangers, is capable of providing.

"We witnessed a great deal of love and elegance within our local community," said Shelly, wiping away tears from her eyes.

"He's beginning to return, which is great to witness," says Judah's father.

The Boyces claim they have much to thank the supportive crowd for, a group they were unaware of until they required their assistance.

"It's a lifeline when all else feels lonely," said Shelly.

We'll keep it that way (yay!).

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